Lift service prevents physical distancing

MOST Malaysians want to observe the standard operating procedures (SOP) to combat Covid-19. After all, nobody enjoys worrying over whether they brought home the virus after being out, and the authorities also impose a fine if the SOP are not followed.

So, I would like to ask the authorities how they expect the public to observe physical distancing in high-density housing areas like in Paya Terubong, Penang that allow only one lift to operate for 147 households.

There are 10 blocks of 21-storey buildings in this area alone with seven units on each floor and 147 units in each block.

However, the management of this particular apartment complex allows only one lift to operate for each block (out of two lifts available) to save on operational costs.

Imagine the horror of rushing to work and coming home at the end of the day to find a big crowd of people pushing their way into the lift each time it opens. At different floors, more people push their way in until the lift is packed with more than 15 persons in the confined space. This is a daily occurrence.

What physical distancing are we expected to observe when the situation does not permit the possibility of doing so?

This apartment complex is home to hundreds of foreign workers and locals as well. Imagine what would happen if a single person is infected! The spread would be swift as the 10 blocks are located close together. There are other high-density housing estates nearby and also in Air Itam, which is just a stone’s throw away.

Is there someone who can look into this matter before a calamity happens?

VERY CONCERNED RAKYAT Penang