VIDEO call children from Ramadan bazaars instead of physically taking them there, as the latter will put them at risk of contracting Covid-19, said an expert.

Universiti Putra Malaysia Public health specialist Associate Professor Dr Malina Osman said children, especially those who have just started fasting, usually want a variety of food, but their health is much more important.

Most children aged 5 to 11 are either not vaccinated or not fully vaccinated, while those younger than 5 years old are still not allowed to be vaccinated, she added.

“To prevent children from being exposed to Covid-19 at Ramadan bazaars, they can be made to wait in the car or parents can use smartphones to make video calls so children can choose their choice of iftar (breaking fast) dishes.

“Alternatively, children can wait at home or place an order via (food delivery services) and so on.”

Her remark is in response to Deputy Health Minister Dr Noor Azmi Ghazali’s suggestion that parents not bring young children to the bazaars to prevent them from contracting Covid-19, despite the transition to the endemic phase.

Dr Malina said the transition does not mean parents can take standard operating procedures lightly, as the coronavirus is still present and preventive measures must still be taken.

“Experts say Covid-19 infections among children have increased since early this year. So it is better to keep children away from high-risk areas, whether they are vaccinated or not.”

As of yesterday, 1.3 million (38%) children aged 5 to 11 have received at least one vaccine dose under the Covid-19 National Immunisation Programme for Children. – Bernama, April 5, 2022.