Ministry moots ‘drive-thru Ramadan bazaars’

PUTRAJAYA: Could “drive-thru Ramadan bazaars” be part of the new normal following the outbreak of Covid-19?

It is an idea that the Health Ministry says it may consider as an alternative to the traditional food bazaars as the need to reduce human contact has become imperative to stem the spread of the coronavirus.

Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said the ministry welcomes such “innovative ideas” which could help prevent large gatherings and exposing people to the virulent threat.

“Suggestions to organise ‘drive-thru Ramadan bazaars’ or ‘online bazaars’ are new innovative ideas that the ministry can consider, ” he said.

“What we want to do is prevent large gatherings and continue to impose social distancing among the people.

“So these are the type of ideas that we are open to, ” Dr Noor Hisham said at his daily press conference here yesterday.

He added that the ministry would, however, refer to its own guiding principles before deciding on the proposals.

Many people, including health experts, have cautioned against having Ramadan bazaars during the coming fasting month as they typically attract large crowds.

The first day of Ramadan is expected to fall on April 23 while the current enhanced movement control order ends on April 14, barring any further extension by the government.