Residents uneasy over Kelantan traders’ apathy on wearing face mask

By Mohd Noor Iqram Rosli

KOTA BHARU, Jan 8 -- There are still a handful of traders around Kelantan who are not complying with the standard operating procedures (SOP) of wearing face masks properly when dealing with customers.

Checks by Bernama in several districts such as Kota Bharu, Tanah Merah, Pasir Mas, Machang and Kuala Krai found that the mandatory rule to wear face masks have been completely ignored while some of the traders merely put the face masks under the nose, chin or not wearing face masks at all.

A private sector employee in Kota Bharu, Zulfadhli Rosley, 31, said there should not be such an attitude among traders as the spread of COVID-19 is still a concern and the virus could be transmitted if there is no SOP compliance.

“When I enter their shops, I wear a face mask, but the traders are not wearing them. So much so, that I had to reprimand traders to put on their face masks, I feel very disappointed and angry because these traders are so irresponsible about the health of their customers," he said when met by Bernama, today.

Meanwhile, a 50-year-old housewife from Kampung Jelatok, Tanah Merah, Norkatini Md Yusuff said when the government allowed the traders to reopen their business, she was very satisfied with the SOP compliance by the traders.

“But, recently, I found some of the shops and stalls I used to patronise, had started to ignore the wearing of face masks by putting them under the nose and chin.

 “For me, traders must have awareness, don’t be selfish and think only about profits when such careless attitude could harm the health of customers,” she said.

Meanwhile, an online entrepreneur at Batu Balai, Kuala Krai, Najua Saari, 29, said the enforcement authorities should not bear the responsibility alone in monitoring and inspecting enforcement at business premises.

“As a citizen, I urge all members of the public to be the eyes and ears of the authorities and immediately report the recalcitrant traders who violate and do not comply with the SOP,” she added.

-- BERNAMA