MALACCA and Negri Sembilan have taken the lead in prohibiting Ramadan bazaars to curb the spread of Covid-19, said news reports

A consumer group in Johor has urged the southernmost state to do the same.

However, in Negri Sembilan, those who wish to sell food during Ramadan were allowed to cater for deliveries and takeaways.

Negri Sembilan Menteri Besar Aminuddin Harun said the decision was made due to the movement control order (MCO) which has been extended to April 14, which is close to the fasting month, which starts April 23.

“Maybe at the end of the MCO, Covid-19 cases would have dropped but we cannot take any risk by opening a space like the Ramadan bazaar that will allow the people to be exposed to the outbreak again.

“The local council will have to look into this decision,” he was quoted as saying by Malay daily Harian Metro.

Meanwhile, the Malacca Historic City Council said in a circular dated yesterday that it will not issue licences for this year’s Ramadan bazaars.

The notice was posted on Facebook.

It said traders should not hope to make money at the expense of safety.

“Thousands will flood the bazaars every day during Ramadan and this is dangerous,” said council president Md Salleh Sadijo.

Malaysia has reported more than 2,100 cases of infection including 26 deaths. – – March 28, 2020.