KUALA LUMPUR: Ramadan bazaar stalls in the Federal Territories that enjoy brisk sales are advised to implement a numbered pass system to ensure their customers comply with the standard operating procedure (SOP) set.

Federal Territories Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa said the suggestion was made to ensure that the crowd of customers would continue to maintain physical distancing to curb the spread of COVID-19.

"For popular stalls, we urge the committee to discuss with them on how to improve their customers' compliance because we still see customers crowding around.

"... and ensure that only those with numbers line up and only after they have been attended to, allow others in because we do not want crowds to form as that is our main concern," he told reporters after checking out the Datuk Keramat Ramadan bazaar here today.

For SOP compliance, he said the ministry would encourage the public to practise self control and self monitoring.

"Although we believe in the concept of self monitoring, we also need to issue reminders and in some places, perhaps the loudspeaker system can to used for this purpose.

"Closing down Ramadan bazaars will be the last option and only if the COVID-19 cases in the Federal Territories rise drastically.

"If possible, we want to encourage everyone to trade till the end of Ramadan. That's why we all need to comply with the SOP and pray that there are no cases related to Ramadan bazaars in the Federal Territories," he added.

-- BERNAMA