SOME 15,000 people living around the Selayang wholesale market, where an enhanced movement-control order (EMCO) took effect today, will be screened for Covid-19.

Federal Territories Minister Annuar Musa said this was a form of early intervention after one death occurred and infections were detected from an earlier screening.

“There are signs or indications that there are positive cases that need early intervention. 

“Yesterday, we screened about 2,000 workers at the market and its vicinity and there were more than 20 cases, with one death. So, we have to take immediate action,” he said at the ministry’s press conference today. 

Between 1,500 and 2,000 people will be screened daily.

“The people are located in six areas around the market. We will be screening them in batches of 50 people at a time, monitored by 10 policemen and three army personnel.

“We have set up screening centres in the six areas and we expect to complete testing in a week,” he said. 

The EMCO for the northern Kuala Lumpur area surrounding the Selayang wholesale market was announced earlier today by senior minister and National Security Council spokesman Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

The wholesale market itself would, however, remain open and only the residential areas around it would be under the EMCO, he said. – April 20, 2020.

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