KUALA LUMPUR – Ramadan and Aidilfitri bazaars, as well as terawih prayers, will be allowed this year, said Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
He told a press conference today that the activities, however, will only be allowed with strict standard operating procedures (SOPs) in place.
The SOPs will be announced later.
He added that operating hours for Ramadan bazaars will be between 3pm and 8pm daily, while Aidilfitri bazaars can open between 10am and 12pm.
Ismail Sabri said the decision was made after a National Security Council (NSC) task force meeting earlier as the Muslim holy month of Ramadan is less than a month away.
He added that SOPs for the bazaars include being held in an open space, preparing separate entry and exit points, as well as having registration apparatus for contact-tracing app MySejahtera.
“However, in terms of location, amount of stalls, plot sizes and others, this will be determined by local councils in the respective states.”
Additionally, he said the number of worshippers attending terawih prayers depend on the respective state religious authorities.
On another matter, he reminded the public that the maximum fine of RM10,000 for SOP violators is not a mandatory amount as offenders can appeal the fine at district health offices.
He said the amount for the fines could be categorised accordingly.
“Perhaps for nightclubs, it would be RM10,000, but for not wearing masks could be different.
“The appeals are open and the district health offices have been given the power (to decide on the compound amount).”
He added that when appealing, an offender’s income category will be considered.
“The amount may be different for those in the low-income category, such as rubber tappers, who have seven or eight children, compared with those who are self-employed.” – The Vibes, March 16, 2021
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