Pickpocket alert at Chowrasta market

Pickpocket alert at Chowrasta market

FOLLOWING complaints from the public on the frequent pickpocket cases in the Chowrasta market in Penang, Komtar Barisan Nasional coordinator Loh Chye Teik is advising people to be cautious at all times.

“Recently, an elderly woman in her late 80s lost more than RM800 to pickpockets. My advice to the public is to bring only the necessary amount when shopping in congested areas,” he said.

He added that police reports on pickpocket cases there were lodged almost every day.

“Perhaps the police can increase their presence here to ward off pickpockets,” he suggested.

He said that he was also told by hawkers and shoppers there that they were hoping to see changes in the condition of the landmark wet market and its surrounding areas.

Loh said he received complaints on the less than satisfactory level of cleanliness and hygiene of the market.

“I was told that there used to be six to eight Penang Municipal Council cleaners who came and cleaned this place but the number has dwindled to about two now. I have also received complaints about the daily congestion in the area,” he told a press conference at the market recently.

In a related development, Komtar assemblyman Ng Wei Aik said council workers were deployed to clean the area on three shifts daily.

He added that a preliminary report would be tabled in April on the upgrading of the Chowrasta market.

-News courtesy of The Star-