VEGETABLE and fruit vendors have dismissed fears that Covid-19 can spread to consumers by touching the produce. 

They told The Malaysian Insight that shoppers buying unpackaged or unsealed fruits and vegetables from market stalls should not worry as long as they maintain their personal hygiene. 

Recently concerns were raised if the virus could spread by touching the items while choosing groceries. Some experts had also reportedly said it was possible for the virus to spread in such a manner. 

Kuala Lumpur Fruits Wholesalers’ Association president Chin Nyuk Moy however debunked the fears, saying that markets and vendors have taken all necessary precautions against the virus. 

She also insisted that consumers too must protect themselves so that they don’t accidentally spread the virus while marketing. 

“I don’t think customers will spread the virus from selecting the vegetables and fruits with their hands. I will not stop customers from doing so. 

“If you have antibacterial tissue, sterilise your hands immediately after touching anything or wear gloves,” she said. 

She added that she disinfects each customer who enters the store with a disinfectant spray gun.

At the same time, she ensured that patrons’ body temperature is scanned and to see if they have completed their vaccination. 

As for recommendations that vendors sell fruits in packages, Chin responded that it is the culture of the locals to look and choose their groceries personally. 

“Not only does this (packaging) method not help to reduce the risk, but it also requires vendors to spend additionally to purchase the supplies and hire others to pack them,” she said. 

Using scenarios in supermarkets, she said that customers were still choosy with pre-packaged fruits and vegetables. 

Kuala Lumpur Vegetable Wholesalers’ Association president Wong Keng Fatt said while the effort to package vegetables was not impossible, it depends on the target consumer group. 

“Customers in older age groups like to choose when they buy things, but the younger ones would just take and pay for it as they may not be well-versed about the condition of the vegetables,” he said. 

He added that viruses and bacteria are hidden everywhere so the main thing is to wash hands diligently.

Wong said the vendors in KL wholesale market conduct small-scale disinfection at the stalls everyday and conduct large-scale disinfection once a week. 

“Everyone puts on double-layer masks and leaves the market area immediately,” he said. 

Professor Dr Moy Foong Ming from Universiti Malaya’s Department of Social and Preventive Medicine said the spread of the virus through contact is lower than through the air. 

However, she did not dismiss the possible risk and advised the public to wash their hands before touching their faces. 

She said the idea of wearing gloves may also create the illusion for people to touch more items. So the best possible prevention is still to sanitise themselves, she added. 

Moy encouraged vendors to prepare alcohol-free hand sanitisers at stalls for customers to freely use in order to reduce Covid-19 risks. 

The Kuala Lumpur wholesale market had recorded four outbreaks in two years, but it has remained Covid-free in recent months. 

Vaccination for all traders in the market started in June. – September 18, 2021.