Almost deserted: The quiet streets of Kangar, Perlis, during the movement control order.
KANGAR: Despite being the only Covid-19 green zone state in the country, folks in Perlis are still strictly observing the movement control order (MCO).
Checks at several spots here and Kuala Perlis found that streets were largely deserted, with only some vehicles plying the town centre.
The normally bustling Jalan Tun Abdul Razak and Jalan Kuala Perlis looked empty but were still heavily manned by police and army personnel. With the arrival of Ramadan, several shops selling essential items have opened.
Syakirah Rodzi, 26, a kindergarten assistant in Bintong, said despite the state being a green zone for so many weeks, she felt a need to follow the government’s orders to stay at home.
“I only go out to get essential items, ” she said when met at Jalan Bukit Lagi here, ” she said, adding that she welcomed Ramadan with a modest celebration with her family.
Mohd Rizam Mohd Saad, 32, said Ramadan was sombre this year.
“I miss finding lots of food and drinks for sale at roadside stalls and Ramadan bazaar, ” he said.
Grocery shop operator Chong En Shiang, 65, said things were quiet this Ramadan because of the MCO.
“I was so busy during Ramadan in the past but this year, there are fewer people coming, ” he said.
Despite the drop in business, he praised the government’s decision to extend the MCO.
Last Wednesday, Perlis was the first state to be declared a green zone after no infections were detected, with no active cases for over two weeks.
The state only registered a total of 18 Covid-19 cases with two deaths.
State health committee chairman Teh Chai Aan urged the people in the state not to be complacent and continue taking precautions.
He advised outsiders with valid reasons entering Perlis to undergo Covid-19 screenings.
“We must wash our hands often and stay home during the MCO, ” he said when met at the Kangar Health Clinic, one of the Covid-19 screening centres in the state.
“The green zone achievement would not have materialised if people had not observed the MCO strictly from the beginning, ” he said.
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