Federal Territories Minister Annuar Musa’s plan to allow Ramadan bazaars, even with better crowd control, has not been well received on social media amid fears it would lead to more Covid-19 infections.
Terengganu and Negri Sembilan have announced the scrapping of Ramadan bazaars, with Terengganu planning an online platform for vendors to sell breaking of fast delicacies instead.
However, Annuar today said “the needs of urban folk who do not have time to cook” had to be considered.
Hence, he said Ramadan bazaars in the Federal Territories could be held with a limited number of stalls spaced apart to enable social distancing.
Reactions online have been negative, however, with users making remarks like “Looking for trouble” in response to news reports on Annuar’s comments.
“Good luck to all Malaysians! Our wise politicians making wise decisions during (a) global pandemic!” said Twitter user @Esteban76986872.
Others urged the minister to reconsider for the sake of “flattening the curve”, in reference to bringing down the number of Covid-19 infections.
“You are putting citizens at risk,” tweeted @IreneCReynolds1.
Nazri Hussin tweeted that intentions to conduct crowd control will be difficult to achieve. “So best is you say No at the moment,” he said.
Others called the Annuar’s announcement “unwise”. Twitter user @_huddin_ said Ramadan bazaars are unnecessary, adding “Are bazaars so important? You can’t fast if there are no bazaars?
Others like Hasbul Hadi said people should remember the true purpose of Ramadan, which is to fast, and not feast.
“The aim of Ramadan is to fast…not for bazaar/berbuka dengan kawan (break fast with friends).
“Maybe Covid-19 is here to remind us of our niat (intentions) and the true meaning of Ramadan.”
Many have also taken to Twitter to say how much they will miss the Ramadan bazaars if the movement control order is extended beyond April 14.
The fasting month begins on April 23 and Ramadan bazaars, where vendors sell an array of delicacies every evening, is a highlight for many Muslims. It also draws non-Muslim customers.
Authorities have warned that the MCO could be extended if Covid-19 infections continue to increase. – TMI