Groups of unlicensed hawkers were caught selling fresh produce right outside the wholesale market in Ilha Verde yesterday morning, a statement from the Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) said yesterday.
According to the statement, the bureau went to check on the areas outside the wholesale market and cracked down on rogue hawkers selling goods.
The statement said that the move was part of its effort to reduce the number of people gathering in one place to lower the risk of disease from spreading as measures to fight COVID-19 have reached a critical stage.
The statement added that IAM inspectors seized the fresh produce from the unlicensed hawkers and started legal action against them.
The statement also urged food wholesalers and retailers not to carry out business activities outside designated areas as otherwise they face punishment.
In order to control the number of people in the wholesale market and allow a smooth pick-up and loading process there, the bureau yesterday morning demanded that anyone entering the market is required to register to specify which company they represent, as a way to prevent non-wholesale operators or other people from entering the facilities.
