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 the local authorities, said Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin.
She said the local authorities only need to apply the existing SOPs on physical distancing and wearing face masks, as issued by the Health Ministry.
“These are the basic requirements for them (visitors and traders) to adhere to at Ramadan bazaars,” she told a press conference after visiting the Kuala Langat Municipal Council (MPKL) here yesterday.
Zuraida said she was aware of pictures that have gone viral Ramadan bazaars-goers not adhering to SOPs, especially on social 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 the local authority level, there will be more effective control,” she said.
She also called on MPKL to actively encourage Kuala Langat residents to register for the Covid-19 vaccination.
“When more have the vaccine, there will be wider herd immunity to contain Covid-19 and help the economy recover,” she said.
Meanwhile in Putrajaya, a Housing and Local Government Ministry statement said SOP enforcement by local authorities would be carried out at all Ramadan and Aidilfitri bazaars throughout Ramadan, including bazaars that are not under the purview of the local authorities.
Effective Wednesday, the Health Ministry has delegated authority to mayors, local authority presidents and Grade 19 enforcement officers to issue compounds for violations under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342), including non-compliance of SOP at Ramadan bazaars.
The Housing and Local Government Ministry (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 patrols for crowd management and SOP compliance will also be assisted by members of the People’s Volunteer Corps (Rela).
KPKT said there would also be inspection on traders for the required typhoid jab, food-handler card, permit payment, SOP compliance and stall cleanliness. – Bernama, April 16, 2021
