Ramadan bazaar policy will be standardised nationwide - minister

CORONAVIRUS | The federal government will come up with a new standard operating procedure (SOP) on Ramadan bazaar to standardise between the federal and state level, Senior Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said.

The defence minister today was responding to the issue of the Perlis state government allowing Ramadan traders to operate not only online via e-Bazaar but also at their homes and roadsides during the movement control order(MCO) period.

“On a few states making their own decision (on the Ramadan bazaar), I believe after we come up with a certain SOP, we will standardise it among states.

“When it comes to the e-Bazaar, we need the Housing and Local Government Ministry to look into this, as the district councils and municipalities are under it.

“Even though district councils and municipalities have their own authority, it is hoped after this is standardised there will be no differences between the state and federal level,” Ismail Sabri said during a press conference at Putrajaya this afternoon.

Two days ago, Perlis Menteri Besar Azlan Man reportedly said that the state greenlighted Ramadan traders to operate from their respective homes and by the roadside during the fasting month due to MCO.

Meanwhile, in response to a question on the form of e-Bazaar allowed under the MCO, Ismail Sabri said that the cabinet had decided on the method of ordering online and having it delivered via e-hailing services.

He said this is the best method to allow the people to still purchase food items from Ramadan traders while still keeping in the spirit of social distancing during the MCO.

“There were two other concepts proposed - order and pick up at stalls; and drive-thru,” Ismail Sabri said.

However, these concepts were not chosen because the Cabinet was concerned it would cause mass movement of people and vehicles, he said. 

Yesterday, the minister said the cabinet wished to lessen the excuses people may use to flout the MCO and would discuss on which competing forms of e-Bazaar would be allowed to operate for Ramadan. 

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