KUCHING, March 25: Ramadan bazaars are allowed to operate throughout the fasting month that will begin from April 12 to May 12 in Sarawak according to strict compliance with standard operating procedures (SOP).
State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC), in its daily update report on Covid-19 situation in Sarawak, however informed that premises and stalls must obtain approval from the Divisional Disaster Management Committee (DDMC) beforehand.
It is also compulsory for all workers, traders and operators to be tested negative for Covid-19 by taking the rT-PCR tests before they are allowed to begin their operations.
SDMC emphasised that periodical investigations will be conducted to ensure compliance with SOP by all workers, traders, operators and managements at all times.
The updated SOP for the operation of Ramadan Bazaar will be issued and made available at the official website of the Ministry for Local Government and Housing at http://mlgh.sarawak.gov.my.
Meanwhile, Ramadan bazaars are the most anticipated and awaited event every year not only for the Muslim community but also the rest of the diverse community in Sarawak and Malaysia in general to celebrate the festive Raya season.
This piece of good news in allowing bazaars back on the streets of Sarawak will be welcomed after last year’s hiatus.
Last year, traditional Ramadan and Gawai bazaars were prohibited to prevent large gatherings of people that could increase the risk of Covid-19 transmission as the pandemic was at its peak while Movement Control Order (MCO) was still enforced.
Despite the negative impacts, the crisis presented unique opportunities for businesses especially small-time traders to come up with creative disruption which then led to the creation of e-bazaar.
Communities in Sarawak were quick to move their Ramadan business activities online and continue selling during the Covid-19 outbreak while customers got to fix their cravings for ‘buka puasa’ with delicious food delivered to their doorsteps.
There were a few platforms with the notable ones include “Bazaar Ramadan Online Kuching” and Sarawakku Sayang Online Ramadan Bazaars (BROSS) initiated by the State government.
In unprecedented tough times, technology has powered people to make changes, especially small businesses to take advantage of the crisis and grow their online presence. — DayakDaily
