Penang's Pulau Tikus market to close temporarily soon after detection of Covid-19 cases

GEORGE TOWN: The Pulau Tikus Market will close temporarily soon after a few Covid-19 cases were detected there, says Pulau Tikus assemblyman Chris Lee.

He confirmed there were Covid-19 cases at the market and said he hoped the market would close earlier than Monday (Sept 27) as planned.

"It will probably be Monday, but I am hoping they can close it earlier for everyone's safety,'' he said, adding that the Penang Island City Council had indicated that it needed to be closed.

"I do understand the situation with the traders as they are trying to wrap things up and close as well.

"There have been a few infections and we do not want it to spread... as the hustle and bustle in a market cannot be avoided," he said.

Lee said he would have all traders tested before the market is reopened.

"We understand what the traders are going through and are thinking about their welfare," he said.

The Pulau Tikus Market is known for selling high-end fresh produce.

Since March last year, several public markets including those at Taman Free School, Batu Maung, Perak Road, Batu Lanchang, Padang Tembak, Bayan Baru, Bandar Baru Ayer Itam, Jelutong, Cecil Street and Chowrasta on the island have been temporarily closed for disinfection following the detection of Covid-19 cases.

On the mainland, the markets in Penaga, Bagan Ajam, Chai Leng Park, Taman Sri Rambai, Kampung Baru, Permatang Tinggi, Taman Bagan, Seberang Jaya, Kepala Batas, Machang Bubok and Bukit Mertajam were also closed following Covid-19 cases.