Three markets in Kepong to resume operations

Yee (right) briefing traders on the guidelines for the reopening of Pasar Jinjang Utara.

THREE morning markets in Kepong, Kuala Lumpur are set to resume operations tomorrow after receiving the necessary approval from Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and complying with government guidelines.

Some 700 traders at Pasar Jinjang Utara, Pasar Jinjang Selatan and Pasar Kepong Baru will operate in batches and on alternate days to observe social distancing, said Kepong Hawkers and Petty Traders Association vice-chairman Deric Teh.

“Everyone is relieved to start operating again as they have had no income for the past three months.

“Although some are uncertain about the changes that have to be made, we have had several meetings with traders to explain the standard operating procedures set by DBKL, ” he said during an inspection of Pasar Jinjang Utara yesterday.

Among the conditions set by DBKL are that stalls must be 2.5m apart, traders must carry out temperature screening and registration at the entrance and manage the crowd.

For this, there must be separate entry and exit points into the open-air markets.

DBKL officers and Rela members will be on standby to monitor the situation.

Each visitor has a time limit of 30 minutes to give others the opportunity to shop within a safe, controlled environment.

Prior to opening, traders associations were required to submit plans outlining arrangement for stall lots, state the number of stalls operating and provide a timetable for the traders’ business as well as show they had sufficient tools and manpower.

Kepong Community Centre head Yee Poh Ping said traders had to fork out additional expenses to fulfil the requirements, including paying for Rela personnel and buying stainless steel trays.

“Each Rela member will be paid RM100 per person per day, with a total of 26 officers at the three markets, ” he explained.

He also appealed to the traders and public to observe the restrictions in place.

“DBKL, the police and Health Ministry officers will be patrolling and the markets can be shut down immediately if anyone fails to comply, ” he said.