More orderly Ramadan bazaars in 5-6 days - Zuraida

BANTING: Activities in Ramadan bazaars will be more orderly and better organised with stricter compliance to standard operating procedures (SOP) in five or six days with the involvement of local authority enforcement, said Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin.

She said local authorities only need to apply the existing SOP which is physical distancing and wearing face mask as issued by the Health Ministry (MOH).

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

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 believed the situation will improve in five to six days.

"With enforcement at 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 vaccination.

"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 yesterday, 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 the size of the Ramadan bazaar.

Control at the entry and exit of Ramadan bazaars as well as patrol 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