Proof of Covid-19 test a must to enter wholesale market

Traders resuming operations at the Kuala Lumpur Wholesale Market in Selayang, which reopened at midnight yesterday after being temporarily closed since April 18 due to the enhanced MCO in the surrounding areas.

THE Kuala Lumpur Wholesale Market, which is located within an enhanced movement control order area in Selayang, has reopened for business.

However, both customers and traders will need to produce proof that they are negative for Covid-19 in order to enter the market.

Yesterday morning, traders and customers were seen queueing at the entrance to show proof of their Covid-19 negative test.

Kuala Lumpur Vegetable Wholesalers Association president Wong Keng Fatt said processing of the documents was taking quite a while but this was expected as it was the first day of the market’s reopening.

“Registered traders with the association who tested negative for the virus were given working passes.

“We hope the process will improve by next week, ” he said.

Wong added that the traders had alerted their suppliers and customers about the need to take the Covid-19 test.

“The tight security may drive customers away in the short term but I am optimistic that the situation will get better by next week.

“This is needed to prevent the virus from spreading to the market’s community and the association will comply fully, ” he said.

Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob had announced on Monday that the enhanced MCO would be enforced in the surrounding areas of the market from April 20 to May 3.

The eight parcels affected include Jalan 6/3A, Jalan 9/3A, Jalan 2/3A of Pusat Bandar Utara, Kuala Lumpur, as well as Taman Batu View, Taman Batu Hampar, and Taman Sri Murni Phase 1,2 and 3.

The market had been closed since April 18 for disinfection.

The market is now open from midnight to 7am and 10am to 7pm daily.

Association committee member Law Tek Kim, who was at the market, said around 65 stalls were open from midnight yesterday.

“Business was slow but it gradually improved in the afternoon.

“Many people rely on this market being open to supply their customers in other locations, ” he said.

The media was not allowed into the wholesale market but based on several videos seen by StarMetro fewer customers and traders were seen inside.

One customer, who did not want to be named, said in a video that it was difficult to source for some vegetables.

“Vegetables like eggplant and bitter gourd are slightly more expensive than usual and supply is limited.

“I reached here at noon. It is now 2.30pm and I am still not done with my purchases, ” he said in the video.

Meanwhile, the Selayang daily market in Jalan Selayang Baru remains closed due to the enhanced MCO.