By Zareef Muzammil
GOMBAK, April 15 — The Selangor government will not hesitate to call off the operations of Ramadan bazaars in the state if the public fails to comply with the standard operating procedures (SOP).
Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari had reminded the people to not be complacent as it could result in the upsurge of new Covid-19 cases.
“I hope that the matter would be closely monitored by the organisers and local authorities as we do not want Ramadan bazaars to cause the spread of new cases.
“If they do not comply, there is a high chance that we will call off the bazaars. We have given the space this year for the traders to run their business and we hope that they will adhere to the SOP,” he said when met after breaking fast at the home of an activist in Taman Selaseh Phase 1, here yesterday.
Earlier, the Sungai Tua state assemblymen and wife, Datin Seri Masdiana Muhamad, had visited the Ramadan bazaar in Taman Greenwood.
Amirudin had also called for the enforcement officers of the local authorities to enforce their power by compounding those who are caught for SOP violation.
On Tuesday, Amirudin had ordered the local councils to closely monitor the operations at the Ramadan bazaars to curb the spread of the Covid-19 infection and the emergence of a new cluster.
He said in accordance with the new normal, the number of traders allowed to open shop was reduced to 11,000 compared to the total 14,000 businesses running in 14,000.
The Federal government had on March 16 announced that Ramadan and Aidilfitri bazaar, as well as tarawih prayers, would be allowed to be held nationwide during the fasting month.
The Ramadan bazaars operating hours are from 3om to 8pm, while Aidifitri bazaars are allowed to run from 10am to 12am.
Last year, physical Ramadan bazaars were cancelled throughout the country due to the Covid-19 pandemic and movement control order restrictions.
