GEORGE TOWN: Although the Pulau Mutiara wholesale market in Gat Lebuh Macallum has been ordered shut until further notice, a handful of stubborn traders continue to breach the notice.

       While the market is cordoned off with barrier tapes, some traders were spotted heading back to their stalls to clean up and manage their stocks.

       Some foreign workers were also seen entering the premises without permission.

       When contacted, Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Daniel Gooi urged the traders to adhere strictly to the standard operating procedures (SOPs) and not enter the premises illegally.

       “Please do not take the risk and stop entering the cordoned area.

       “This will delay the reopening of the wholesale market.

       “I understand that times are bad and we really do not want the market to be ordered closed but since it has happened, follow the SOPs strictly so that the market can reopen soon,” he said.

       Gooi added that he had submitted the names of 170 traders and their workers in the market to undergo screening at the Penang government’s mass Covid-19 screening programme at City Stadium on Monday (July 5).

       “Some traders and their workers had undergone their swab tests on Saturday (July 3) morning and we are still awaiting the screening results,” he said.

       There are 145 units in the wholesale market and more than 30 stalls at the wet market next to it.