KUCHING: The Medan Niaga Satok and Stutong markets here were disinfected on Monday (Mar 30) as part of the nationwide sanitisation exercise.
The operations were carried out by the Fire and Rescue Department in cooperation with Kuching North City Hall (DBKU), Kuching South City Council (MBKS) and the Health Department.
"Today, the nationwide public sanitisation operation got underway. In Kuching, we are doing it in two locations, namely the Stutong market and Medan Niaga Satok.
"The operation at Medan Niaga Satok involves about 55 personnel, including 18 from DBKU, eight from the Health Department and the rest from the Petra Jaya and Padungan fire stations.
"At Stutong market, our personnel from the Batu Lintang and Tabuan fire stations are involved," state Fire and Rescue Department director Khirudin Drahman told reporters when met at Medan Niaga Satok on Monday (March 30).
He said the sanitisation exercise would be carried out at various public spaces throughout Sarawak.
"I've been informed that in the Limbang/Lawas, Miri/Marudi, Bintulu and Sibu zones, it will be done as soon as possible," he said.
Khirudin also urged the public to play their part in the fight against Covid-19 by practising self-hygiene and social distancing.
He said concerted efforts from everyone and not just the frontliners were important to break the chain of infection.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob had announced on Saturday (Mar 28) that high-risk areas and selected public spaces would be disinfected starting Monday to help curb the spread of Covid-19.
He had said local councils would conduct the exercise simultaneously nationwide, with priority given to public spaces, and then housing areas.
Meanwhile, state Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) deputy director Su'udi Arof said Medan Niaga Satok would only be open from 7am to 2pm during the movement control order.
He said the entry of shoppers would be controlled to prevent large crowds.
"We will also provide hand sanitiser at the entrance," he said.