SMC enforces compulsory face masks at markets, hawker centres

SIBU: All visitors to Sibu Municipal Council’s (SMC) markets and hawker centres are required to wear face masks, says councillor Albert Tiang.

“It is compulsory to wear face masks and this practice started during Movement Control Order (MCO),” SMC market and petty traders standing committee chairman pointed out.

Local Government and Housing Assistant Minister Dr Annuar Rapaee recently suggested that business outlets should bar entry to customers without face masks in light of the warning from the World Health Organisation (WHO) regarding the airborne spread of Covid-19.

He had said there was emerging evidence that the virus could remain in the air for up to eight hours and the use of face mask should be made mandatory for all public places.

Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC) chairman Sempurai Petrus Ngelai concurred with Dr Annuar that business outlets need to ensure patrons wear face masks before allowing them into their premises.

“I am all for the customers wearing face masks before entering the business premises to protect themselves, operators and others. I hope everyone would not let their guard down as the danger is still out there.

“There might be some people without symptoms who are not aware they are infected with Covid-19 virus. We should all play our part by adhering strictly to standard operating procedures (SOP) including social distancing,” Sempurai added.

Meanwhile, Taman Selera Harmoni Sibu Muslim Traders Association chairman Abdul Taib Rosli was of the opinion that wearing of face masks should be made mandatory at public and crowded places.

He said traders and workers at the food court had been informed of the mandatory use of face masks according to State Disaster Management Committee’s (SDMC) SOP.

Abdul Taib observed lack of awareness or apathy since Sibu became a Covid-19 green zone.

“As has mentioned repeatedly, the war against Covid-19 is not over as there is the possibility of second wave of Covid-19.

“In this regard, I fully support Local Government and Housing Assistant Minister Dr Annuar Rapaee’s call for all to wear face masks and be vigilant to prevent a second wave of Covid-19 infection,” he stressed.