Aidilfitri bazaars allowed to open until 2am from Saturday (April 24)

PUTRAJAYA: Hari Raya Aidilfitri bazaars will be allowed to operate until 2am from Saturday (April 24), says Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

The Senior Minister (Security) said traders had appealed for an extension of operating hours, as customers would only visit the bazaars after they performed their tarawih prayers.

He said they argued that operating until midnight would be too short a time for customers to look for things they need for the Hari Raya festivities.

He also reminded the public to follow standard operating procedures (SOP) while frequenting Ramadan bazaars to avoid authorities from forcing the bazaars to close due to non-compliance.

He said there were reports of local councils ordering Ramadan bazaar sites to be closed due to overcrowding and other violations.

He cited the bazaars in Taman Greenwood in Gombak and in Bukit Nyamuk in Kuala Nerang, Kedah, being forced to shut down.

“We allowed these bazaars to open to make it easy for the public to buy food for breaking fast. It is also an opportunity for petty traders to earn extra income.

“We hope those who patronise the bazaars will adhere to SOP so that authorities will not be forced to close them, ” he said on Friday (April 23).