KUALA LUMPUR – All Ramadan bazaars in Selangor districts coming under the movement control order (MCO) will be closed starting Saturday, while government schools statewide will shut beginning tomorrow, said Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari.
His announcement comes just a day ahead of the lockdown to be imposed in six districts – Hulu Langat, Petaling, Gombak, Klang, Kuala Langat and Sepang.
In a press conference today, Amirudin said the decision to only bar Ramadan bazaars from operating is to provide ample time for stall operators and traders to clear their stock, which may have already been purchased in bulk.
“This would mean that, by Friday, they would have been operating for 25 days. We are not kejam (cruel) to close (immediately), since they will have operated for 25 days,” he said.
To further assist the 11,000 bazaar traders that will be affected, Amirudin said the state government will provide RM500 in cash aid to each of them, which is expected to be given out after Hari Raya and will cost the government more than RM5 million.
Senior Minister (Security) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob had yesterday, in announcing the MCO, said that Ramadan bazaars are allowed to operate, although state governments might make changes.
The MCO for the six districts will start tomorrow for 14 days. Kuala Selangor, Sabak Bernam and Hulu Selangor will remain under the conditional MCO.
“These decisions are made after close-contact screening data found tens of thousands of the infected had visited malls and bazaars. It is also worrying that intensive care unit capacity is near 80%,” said Amirudin.
— Media Selangor (@Media_Selangor) May 5, 2021
Despite the closure of Ramadan bazaars, Amirudin said Hari Raya bazaars and night markets can operate until 10pm with 50% capacity for visitors, according to the size of buildings and premises.
The organisers are responsible for ensuring SOP adherence and any violation will result in the closure of the premises, he said.
“A numbering system will be implemented to restrict the number of visitors. Children aged 12 and below are not allowed in bazaars and pasar malam.
“All operators must also appoint SOP monitors who are tasked to announce regular reminders to ensure high SOP adherence.”
Amirudin said dine-ins and Ramadan buffets will also not be allowed starting tomorrow, while restaurants (takeaway/delivery), shops and petrol stations can operate from 6am to midnight, as opposed to the 10pm time limit announced by Ismail Sabri.
Amirudin also confirmed a circular that was leaked earlier that all public schools in Selangor, regardless if they are in MCO areas or not, will be shut beginning tomorrow.
The decision, he said, was made following approval from the federal government.
“The closure will allow students to stay at home until after the Raya holidays. The Education Ministry has announced that home-based teaching and learning will be carried out for two weeks right after the Raya break.
“If the situation improves, we are open to reviewing this decision. I also advise that private schools in Selangor follow suit.”
Asked if the government will announce another round of stimulus packages following the imposition of the MCO, Amirduin said this would depend on whether the restriction order is extended further.
“If cases reduce at a faster rate, then I don't think we need a stimulus package. But if there is a need (for such packages), we will announce it.
“But, as of now, the current MCO still allows businesses and offices to operate. So, I consider economic activities can continue as usual, and are maybe just slightly impacted.” – The Vibes, May 5, 2021
