The crowding situation at the Air Itam market vastly improved today after control measures were implemented by the authorities.
There were fewer people observed here between 7.45am and 8.30am.
Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng Soon Seong said that crowd control measures were put in place following a meeting with the police and also the Penang Island City Council (MBPP).
“Today, police and MBPP personnel are here to monitor the situation.
“It is totally under control today,” he said.
Air Itam market had been marked as one of several hotspots facing overcrowding issues since the start of the Movement Control Order (MCO).
Market-goers were subjected to criticism as they were seen ignoring the MCO and putting others at risk of contracting Covid-19.
Early this morning, there were noticeably fewer people milling around the market, and those entering the market had to adhere to the one-metre social distancing rule.
The authorities sealed off most of the entrances to the market and enforced social distancing within the premises.
Ng said there are nine entrances to the market premises, so they had to barricade six of the entrances and only allow people to enter through two entrances and to use one exit.
“We have drawn out the social distancing line of one metre apart and we are requesting people to follow it,” he told reporters at the market.
As for the noticeably reduced crowd in the market today, Ng said many probably bought what they needed yesterday so they will not come back today.
“Social media also played a role because this market is now famous. Everyone has been spreading videos of this market as being the most crowded even during MCO and I believe many finally realised they should stay at home,” he said.