PASIR MAS:After a three-week of lull following the implementation of the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) on Nov 21, the town of Rantau Panjang here, is back to its everyday hustle and bustle.

Since Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced the end of the CMCO in Kota Bharu, Machang, Tanah Merah and Pasir Mas districts last Friday, local vehicles as well as those from other states have been seen entering the town.

A check by Bernama yesterday found the town very much livelier with the presence of local and outstation visitors dutifully adhering to the standard operating procedure (SOP) set, as they shop or stop to dine at the restaurants.

A trader selling nuts, Al Aswad Omar, 38, said throughout the 20 years he had been operating his business in Rantau Panjang, not once had his stall been closed for such a long time until the CMCO was enforced.

He said, although the economic sector was still allowed to operate during the CMCO, he, along with other stall operators, decided to close shop because with the drop in number shoppers, they did not want to risk further losses in sales.

“In fact, during the CMCO period, I also had to release two employees for the time being, as I could not afford to pay them RM50 each a day as there were no sales during that period,” he said adding that usually he could earn over RM500 a day.

"However, I am grateful since the inter-state restriction was lifted, visitors have started to return since yesterday and hopefully we traders will be able to make up for the losses incurred during the CMCO," he said.

In sharing Al Aswad’s joy on the return of shoppers, Nor Suhaini Mohammad, 28, who sells clothing said, the announcement on no more restriction for inter-state and district travel, was a great relief to traders.

“We are glad to see Rantau Panjang lively again but we will continue to comply with the SOP to curb the spread of COVID-19. On top of that, I limit five customers in my store at any one time and insist that they wear a face mask,” she added.

Earlier, Bernama reported that the town of Rantau Panjang had turned into a cowboy town since the the CMCO was implemented.

However, businesses have started to pick up after the CMCO ended in Kota Bharu, Machang, Tanah Merah and Pasir Mas districts on Dec 11.

Two areas within the Penggawa district, namely Kubang Kerian in Kota Bharu and Kusial in Tanah Merah, will remain under the CMCO until Dec 20 while the Enhanced MCO enforced in the Ad-Diniah Al-Falahiah Madrasah, Kampung Dalam Huma, Bukit Awang, and Pasir Puteh from Dec 6 will also continue until Dec 20.

-- BERNAMA