More orderly Ramadan bazaars expected in five or six days, says Zuraida

Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin (second from right) visiting the Taman Langat Utama Flats during her working visit. Also present was Kuala Langat Municipal Council head Datuk Amirul Azizan Abd Rahim (second from left). - BERNAMA photo

BANTING (Bernama): Activities at Ramadan bazaars will be more orderly and better organised with stricter compliance to the standard operating procedures (SOPs) in five or six days with the involvement of local authority enforcement, says Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin.

The Housing and Local Government Minister said local authorities only need to apply the existing SOP which is physical distancing and wearing face masks as issued by the Health Ministry (MOH).

"These are the basic requirements for them (visitors and traders) to adhere to as regulations at Ramadan bazaars, ” she said in media conference after an official visit to the Kuala Langat Municipal Council (MPKL) here Thursday (April 15).

Zuraida admitted there were viral pictures of SOP non-compliance at Ramadan bazaars especially on physical distancing.

"This is the first and second day and the people have just returned to Ramadan bazaars so some are just enthusiastic. I believe the situation will improve in five to six days.

"With enforcement at the local authority level, there will be more effective control, ” she said.

She also called on MPKL to actively encourage the residents in Kuala Langat to register for Covid-19 vaccinations.

"When more have the vaccine, there will be wider herd immunity to contain Covid-19 and to help the economy recover, ” she said.

MEANWHILE in PUTRAJAYA, a Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT) statement said SOP enforcement by local authorities would be carried out at all Ramadan and Aidilfitri bazaars throughout Ramadan including bazaars which are not under the control of local authorities.

Effective Wednesday (April 14), the Health Ministry has delegated authority to mayors, local authority presidents and Grade 19 enforcement officers to compound violations under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342) including non-compliance of SOP at Ramadan bazaars.

In this regard, KPKT said at least four enforcement officers would be on duty depending on the size of the Ramadan bazaar.

Control at the entry and exit of Ramadan bazaars as well as patrols would also be assisted by members of the People’s Volunteer Corps (Rela) for crowd management and SOP compliance.

KPKT said there would also be inspection on traders covering typhoid jab, food handler card, permit payment, SOP compliance and stall cleanliness. - Bernama