The level of compliance with the guidelines for COVID-19 cases at the Kuala Lumpur Wholesale Market is unsatisfactory, said Federal Territories Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa.

This was based on a surprise visit he paid to the market today after COVID-19 positive cases were reported here.

"There have been six positive cases (for COVID-19) found here and as of today, there were two more cases specific to the (Kuala Lumpur) wholesale market.

"Most of the sales counters do not have hand sanitsers, and social distancing is not practised, the workers do not wear gloves, and people wear masks which do not meet the specifications of the Health Ministry," he said in a live telecast on Facebook today.

Annuar said he had instructed Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Nor Hisham Ahmad Dahlan and City Hall enforcers as well as the Health Ministry to improve on this level of compliance.

"We have given permission for the wholesale market to operate from 4 a.m, until noon after the vegetable sellers, traders and public appealed.

"So the necessary measures must be taken, do not take things for granted," he said.

Annuar said the Health Ministry will conduct health checks on the more-than 100 workers at the wholesale market tomorrow after consulting with the Crisis Management Centre (CMC).

"I also proposed at the CMC meeting that there should be a disinfection booth at the market for the safety and hygiene of the workers and customers," he said.

Separately, Annuar said 588 positive cases of COVID-19 cases have so far been recorded in Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan.

"Of these, seven deaths were in Kuala Lumpur. As the Federal Territory is still in the danger zone, city folks are advised to comply with the Movement Control Order at all times," he said.

-- BERNAMA