Amid rumours that all Ramadan bazaars have been ordered to close, the Housing and Local Government Ministry clarified that only 22 are affected.
There are a total of 1,073 Ramadan bazaars nationwide, and only 22 were instructed to cease operations effective today as they are in high-risk Covid-19 areas.
“Based on the data collected by the Hotspot Identification by Dynamic Engagement (HIDE) system’s report, these bazaars have been identified as high-risk areas which can be a source of spreading Covid-19.
“The HIDE system is aimed at providing an early warning and to prevent an explosion of Covid-19 infections by using the MySejahtera app,” said a ministry statement,
HIDE’s report showed a high number of close contacts among bazaar traders and visitors; and as of April 15, a total of 904 cases have been reported, with a history of visiting the bazaars or becoming infected by those who visited bazaars.
“The bazaars involved will be closed for three days to conduct sanitisation operations and to tighten up the standard operating procedures (SOP).”
The list of affected bazaars are as follows:
Johor: Belatuk Taman Scientex, Pasir Gudang; Kg Pasir, Jalan Mata Kuching, Johor Bahru; @Mart Kempas, Johor Bahru; Lok Heng, Kota Tinggi.
Kedah: Taman Selasih, Kulim; Baling 2021, Baling; Kupang 2021, Baling.
Pahang: Lurah Semantan, Temerloh; Temerloh Jaya, Temerloh.
Perak: Bazar Nenas Kg Selabak, Teluk Intan.
Penang: MPKK Jalan Tenggiri, Seberang Perai; Attakwa Taman Bertam Indah, Seberang Perai; Bazar Ramadhan MBPP/MBSP; Kampung Melayu; Masjid Daerah Barat Daya; Iftar Ramadhan Jalan Berangan Bkt Bntng 2021; Bukit Gedung; Taman Tun Sardon.
Selangor: Pusat Sementara Penjaja/Basar Ramadhan Puncak Jalil, Subang Jaya; Stesen LRT Cempaka, Ampang Jaya.
Kuala Lumpur: Taman Setiawangsa; Jalan Raja Alang.