MIRI, April 5: There will not be any Ramadan or Gawai bazaars in Sarawak this year, as part of the effort to curb the Covid-19 outbreak.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said this was in line with the government’s precautionary measures to break the chain of Covid-19 infections, among others, involving activities carried out in the state.
“There will be no Ramadan and Gawai bazaars this year because these two events (Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Gawai Dayak) are very near to each other.
“We do not want to risk the community’s safety and at the same time, we must practise the current guidelines. We can have these bazaar next time when the outbreak is over,” he told a press conference after officiating at the food aid supply initiative here today.
The state government has approved RM16.4 million to ensure food is available to every citizen throughout the state.
Instead of having the traditional open bazaar as previous years, Abang Johari suggested the community can substitute it with the e-bazaar Ramadan.
“Now, we can do everything online. Those who don’t know how to use IT can seek help from family and friends. I believe e-bazaar will work,” he pointed out.
In less than a month, Muslims nationwide will observe the fasting month of Ramadan and food bazaars are one of the traditional must-have activities. — DayakDaily
