MIRI: Fresh meat traders, vegetable vendors and fish market operators in Miri continue to defy the movement control order (MCO) to stop their businesses until March 31.

Miri Mayor Adam Yii and several councillors carried out a spot-check in the city on Friday (March 20) and found these traders defiant.

"We have issued directives to them not to open for business until March 31, and to cooperate with the authorities to help stop the spread of Covid-19.

"However, there are still those who refuse to comply.

"They still go about their business as usual.

"They do not seem to understand how crucial it is to stay home, or they just do not care at all," said Yii.

There are also a few food stalls that refuse to shut down until March 31.

Yii said that there are even food stall operators who gave excuses that their customers do not like takeaways.

"They claimed that takeaways are not as delicious as eating at the stalls.

"This is dangerous behaviour," said Yii.

He pleaded with these traders to comply with the movement control order.

Punitive actions using the law will follow suit if their stubborn attitude persists, he added.

Yii said that thankfully, there are still other business operators that are obeying the order.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2020/03/20/wet-market-traders-in-miri-continue-to-defy-mco