GEORGE TOWN: The Jalan Perak market will be closed immediately after several positive Covid-19 cases involving traders were reported there.
Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang confirmed the closure.
There are 55 stalls inside the market.
"The closure is to facilitate sanitisation works and other necessary action," he told the New Straits Times.
The closure order was issued by the Health Ministry about 11.15am today under sub-section 18(1)(f) of the Disease Prevention Measure and Control Act 1988.
The closure was for an indefinite time until otherwise informed by the city council.
Several traders, who were met by the NST, said they did hear about the matter but were unaware of the details.
Batu Lanchang assemblyman Ong Ah Teong said he was informed there were five positive Covid-19 cases involving two stalls.
"For the time being, the closure only involved the market proper.
"If there are more cases or a possible new cluster, then the stalls outside the market will be closed as well," he said.
Ong also urged all traders outside the market to go for a Covid-19 swab test.
He said his service centre would partly subside the cost of the swab test.
"As for traders inside the market proper, they will be screened by the Health Ministry," he added.
Several markets state-wide have been ordered to close following positive Covid-19 cases involving traders.
On May 31, the Bukit Mertajam market was ordered to be closed with immediate effect after three positive Covid-19 cases involving traders were reported there.
On May 17, the Jelutong market was closed after four positive Covid-19 cases involving traders were reported.