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Despite the federal government’s announcement to essentially cancel 2020’s Ramadan bazaars, of any kind, nationwide due to the ongoing Movement Control Order (MCO) and the overall Covid-19 pandemic, Selangor will be going ahead with plans to host its very own online e-bazaar.
Selangor Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said that the bazaar-ban made by the government only applies to the country’s Federal Territories.
The state government believes that its e-bazaar could adopt the same operations procedure undertaken by restaurants that are currently allowed to operate during the MCO.
According to the minister, Selangor’s e-bazaar would have a limited menu of a selection of food stalls and will follow strict guidelines to ensure public safety.
Though authorities are still drawing up plans for the online market, the state would apply a “central kitchen†system where traders would essentially be located in one spot and have meals and products delivered to customers via delivery services and riders.
All logistical needs for the e-bazaar would subsequently be taken on by the state government.
The state had so far determined 15 locations to be turned into central kitchen stations and promised more details on the e-bazaar in the future.
Meanwhile, local traders are voicing their support for the nationwide Ramadan bazaar ban.
According to the Lorong Tuanku Abdul Rahman Traders and Hawkers Association, though the cancellation of this year’s bazaar would inevitably affect their income, it was better to be cautious of the current situation and abide by the rules set by the experts.
While business owners from the Federal Territories Hawkers and Petty Traders Association of Malaysia (GPPPKM) felt that opening up bazaars during the pandemic not only poses huge risks to public health but would also affect their businesses as fewer people are expected to venture out and spend during the lockdown season.
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