Drive-through Ramadan bazaar unsuitable for Johor, says Ruler

JOHOR BARU: The concept of a drive-through Ramadan bazaar is not suitable to be carried out in Johor due to the spread of Covid-19, says Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar.

In a statement posted on his official Facebook page, His Majesty decreed that frontliners were working tirelessly to fully eradicate the disease.

“I am worried that if a Ramadan bazaar is carried out via drive-through, there would be traffic congestion which would add more burden to enforcement teams.

“In fact, it would be harder to ensure that there would be no possibility of close contact and if there is a new cluster, how are we going to control the virus?” said His Majesty.

Sultan Ibrahim urged Johoreans to continue being patient and resilient in facing the movement control order (MCO), which entered its third phase yesterday.

“Patience is a part of iman (faith). Please be patient and do not violate the MCO. Make sure that you only go out if that is really necessary.

“Even I have been staying in and not gone anywhere, so I understand how uncomfortable it is not being able to do the normal daily routine, ” he said.

Meanwhile, Health and Environment Committee chairman R. Vidyananthan said there were several areas in the state which had not recorded any new Covid-19 cases.

He said among the areas were Pengkalan Raja, Jeram Batu, Benut and Rimba Terjun in Pontian; Jelutong and Tanjung Kupang in Johor Baru; Peserai in Batu Pahat; Padang Endau in Mersing; and Macap in Kluang.

“The state government hopes that there will more areas that do not record new cases.

“We hope the public will continue to adhere to the MCO until we are able to stop the spread of Covid-19, ” he said in a statement.