Several Malaysian states call off Ramadan bazaars amid COVID-19 fears
02 April, 2020
Several Malaysian states, including Kedah, Selangor, Terengganu and Melaka, have announced that Ramadan bazaars are going to be cancelled this year.
Johor Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar has also urged bazaar organisers to cancel the events.
This comes even as Putrajaya said it's mulling over standard operating procedures (SOPs), like safe distancing and control , in order that the bazaars might be allowed to work during the fasting month.
On Wednesday (Apr 1), Kedah Chief Minister Mukhriz Mahathir said the choice was made during the state's council meeting, because the government wants to avoid mass gatherings which will end in the spread of COVID-19.
"We will ask all local authorities that have taken deposits for bazaar sites rental or stalls to refund the payment," Mr Mukhriz added.
Separately, Selangor Chief Minister Amirudin Shari has said that online Ramadan bazaars are viable alternatives.
“I believe there'll be online Ramadan bazaars as there are delivery services,” he was quoted as saying by local media.
In Terengganu, the government said it'll found out a web Ramadan bazaar platform to help sellers who depend upon it for his or her income.
The service centres of Terengganu’s 32 assemblymen will reportedly be appointed as administrators for the platform, and there'll be no limit to the amount of sellers
Source: www.channelnewsasia.com
TAG(s):