ABOUT 50% of night markets traders in the Klang Valley have decided against opening up their stalls after taking into consideration the high number of daily Covid-19 cases in the community, retail groups said.

Night markets were not allowed to operate since June 1 when the government imposed the third lockdown to curb the spread of Covid-19. This restriction was, however, lifted on August 16.

Selangor and Kuala Lumpur Hawkers and Petty Traders Association chairman Tan Luan Huat told The Malaysian Insight that only 50% of night market operators have resumed business in the Klang Valley.

“The main reason being they feel that the pandemic is still quite severe and they don’t dare do business under these conditions,” he said.

“Also, the Klang Valley has been recording the highest number of daily cases consistently, so they are waiting it out for the time being.

“There are also some who have not been fully vaccinated. They have gotten the second dose but have not completed the 14 days wait time. Others are still waiting for an appointment.”

An individual is considered fully vaccinated only after 14 days upon the completion of the second dose for two-dose vaccines and 28 days for single-dose vaccines.

Tan said those who have reopened are experiencing a 60% drop in customers.

“Vendors are disappointed that business has not returned to normal as customers are not visiting night markets.

“This is made worse with the government requirement that only fully vaccinated people can visit business premises.

“However, we do agree with this measure to ensure that the infection doesn’t spread. I believe that this is only temporary and we will cooperate,” Tan said, adding that the most important thing is that they have been allowed to resume.

Deric Teh Siong Lieng, chairman of the Kepong Hawkers and Petty Traders Association said he has been tasked with collecting vaccination data from vendors on behalf of Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).

“Information from the markets in Jinjang north and south have been submitted to DBKL. They should be approved within this week,” he said.

Teh said in Kepong, there are six markets and 15 night markets that are members of the association. Currently, he said, only market vendors have opted to reopen.

“Night market retailers said they do not want to resume business for the moment, so we respect their wishes.

“When enough vendors have decided to reopen, guards will be hired and stationed at the entrance to check visitors.”

He added that even when they reopen, the businesses will adhere to strict standard operating procedure (SOP) and making sure to check customers’ vaccination certificates.

“There are still stubborn customers who do not comply and who are not taking the pandemic seriously. But we will enforce checks to protect both the vendors and customers.”

Teh said other than not being able to open and the vastly reduced number of customers, morning market and night market business owners also face other challenges.

“When the first movement-control order was imposed in March year, many roadside vendors moved to stores close to the markets and this greatly affected their business.”

He said unlike the markets, stores are generally cleaner and open all day.

“There has also been an influx of illegal vendors in Kuala Lumpur, which is affecting market and night market vendors.”

Ampang Hawker Market Organisation vice-president Wee Chee Choong said the market there is divided into outdoor and indoor areas.

“Indoor markets have not been allowed to operate during the lockdown while the outdoor market has resumed operations when the restrictions were relaxed,” he said.

Wee said there are 150 stalls at the market but only 70 are open.

“Most of the vendors have been vaccinated but because they are elderly, their children are worried about their health and have persuaded them not to open for business for the time being.”

He said since business resumed, customers have not returned and the market is experiencing a 50% decrease in volume.

“This is normal as people are still afraid to go out and Ampang is an area with a high number of cases.”

In order to make customers feel safe, Teh said the association has tightened its SOP.

“We will disinfect the market every two days to ensure a safe environment for customers and vendors.

“We will also comply with the SOP set by the government and check customers’ MySejahtera app before allowing them entry into the market.”

At the moment, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Kedah and Malacca are still under phase 1 of the National Recovery Plan.

Malaysia yesterday recorded 20,897 cases, taking the nation’s caseload to 1,746,254 since the start of the pandemic.

The Klang Valley, which includes Selangor (4,371), Kuala Lumpur (1,003) and Putrajaya (25) recorded a combined total of 5,399 cases, or 26% of the total cases yesterday. – September 1, 2021.