PETALING Jaya resident want the PJ Old Town market to remain closed until its renovations are completed for the sake of public safety.

MyPJ, a group of residents’ associations, Rukun Tetangga and several experts were shocked at the condition of the market during a visit yesterday to the site. They were dismayed to see the shoddy work being carried out on the market which is scheduled to reopen tomorrow.

The market was shuttered on April 27 due to a Covid-19 outbreak. The Jalan Othman area was subsequently put under an enhanced movement control order on May 10. The lockdown was lifted on May 21 but traders have yet to be allowed to resume business.

“MyPJ was shocked at the deplorable condition of the market in spite of the intensive cleaning effort by the city council and the tenants,” said spokesman Esham Salam, an engineer, today in a statement.

“The severely dilapidated infrastructure itself prevents an effective cleaning or disinfecting operation.”

Esham said the Petaling Jaya City Council should provide a temporary location for the traders to do business while the wet market is being repaired.

“There are sites near Jalan Othman and experts from Universiti Malaya have identified several sites that can house temporary prefabricated structures to allow traders to continue operations,” he said.

Esham said the city council could also waive rent for the traders for the time being.

He added that the public should demand that the council get its priorities right.

“Right now, health concerns are too low in priority.” – June 7, 2020.