KUALA LUMPUR – Restaurants and eateries nationwide will be allowed to extend their operating hours until 6am throughout the month of Ramadan, for the convenience of those who are fasting, said Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
The government has also agreed to allow Ramadan buffets as well as iftar dinners (fast-breaking ceremonies) to be organised during this period.
In a press conference, Ismail Sabri said the decision to extend the operating hours of eateries as food delivery services was made after taking into consideration requests and appeals by various quarters, including restaurant operators.
“This will allow Muslims to eat in or pack their food for their sahur,” he said today.
However, Ismail Sabri said eateries that are located inside shopping malls will have to abide by the hours set by the respective complex managements.
On the organising of iftar ceremonies, Ismail Sabri said the decision took into account fast-breaking events typically organised by government agencies and ministries, as well as private companies, during the holy month.
He said for states under the conditional movement control order, iftar ceremonies can only be held at a maximum of 50% of a venue's capacity, while states under the recovery movement control order can organise events at full capacity, provided there is social distancing.
The minister said other standard operating procedures must also be adhered to strictly, including clear entry and exit signs, registration counters for visitors, temperature checks, and checking in via MySejahtera.
Venue operators must also disinfect dining and buffet areas, catering cutleries and equipment, and chairs and tables, both before and after an event.
“Operators must provide multiple buffet tables to avoid crowds and long lines. Additionally, they must appoint someone to monitor that all SOPs are adhered to,” he said.
For terawih prayers and other religious activities in mosques and suraus, Ismail Sabri said these will be allowed, although the SOPs will be announced by the respective state governments and religious bodies.
On Kelantan's decision to cancel Ramadan bazaars and terawih prayers despite the go-ahead by the federal government, Ismail said states have the power to announce stricter measures where they see fit.
“What they can’t do is announce SOPs that are less strict than the ones implemented at the federal level. But if they want tighter measures to ensure they can control Covid-19 cases in their states, then okay.
“However, we do hope that the states can abide by the federal SOPs, so they can be standardised and avoid confusing the rakyat,” he said. – The Vibes, April 12, 2021
