Authorities urged to step up enforcement at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa

Customers converging at a roadside stall outside Taman Tasik Titiwangsa to buy food without observing physical distancing.

PEOPLE have been flocking to Taman Tasik Titiwangsa, Kuala Lumpur, ever since it reopened on Aug 16.A check by StarMetro on a weekend found families having picnics while a huge group of motorcyclists socialised without wearing face masks outside the park.

StarMetro also saw hawkers operating by the roadside with some setting up stalls on parking bays outside the park.

Some of these stalls had customers crowding around them.

According to the latest standard operating procedure (SOP) issued by the National Security Council on Sept 3, both workers and customers must wear a face mask at all times, in addition to a minimum one metre physical distancing.

Regular park-goer Hafiz Hamzah, 36, said visitors should comply with the SOP and not abuse the freedom given.

He urged the authorities to take stern action against those breaking the rules, to serve as a warning to others.

“We are supposed to be entering the endemic phase of Covid-19 soon.”

He said the people could not afford such irresponsible behaviour.

Muhd Amiruddin Shah, 23, said although a significant number of Klang Valley folk were already fully vaccinated, everyone still needed to exercise caution.

“Enforcement officers should patrol inside and outside the park regularly.

“Those disregarding the rules outside are probably behaving the same way in the park,” he added.

Retiree Mahizan Kasim, 60, said the public should play their role and take responsibility for their actions.

“There is a lot of criticism when people get away with not following the SOP.

“But enforcement officers cannot be everywhere, so it is time for individuals to take responsibility for their actions,” she said.

When contacted, Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Mahadi Che Ngah said he would look into the SOP breaches.

Wangsa Maju OCPD Supt Ashari Abu Samah said police were aware of the situation and would advise visitors accordingly.

Only the fully vaccinated are allowed into the park and they can bring children below 17 with them.

Only individual exercises are permitted and a minimum of one metre physical distancing between people must be maintained at all times.