LEFT with little choice, Ramadan traders are turning to delivery to get their products to customers after Putrajaya banned bazaars during the movement control order (MCO) period.

They are either doing it themselves or turning to informal networks in their localities.

Food delivery is one of several services allowed to operate during the MCO. Restaurants and food business premises are allowed to operate but only for takeouts.

With Ramadan starting today, many who initially wanted to open stalls at bazaars are now improvising by turning to home deliveries.

Azri Atan is among those who plan to continue doing business during the MCO, which was yesterday extended to May 12.

“I plan to use online delivery services, and ship directly from house to house,” said the 32-year-old fresh milk dealer.

Azri started taking part in Ramadan bazaars four years ago, but this year, instead of just selling milk, he also plans to sell other food.

“I will also sell dates and, on top of that, I plan to take delivery jobs as well since I need to make deliveries for my own items.

“Any trader can hire me to deliver their products to customers,” said the seller from Segamat, Johor.

Azri runs a restaurant in Felda Sg Tengi, Hulu Selangor, and used to receive catering orders, but this was temporarily suspended due to the restrictions imposed by the government.

“This fasting month, I will sell various food, such as nasi ambang, popia, frozen curry puff and takoyaki.

“There is a high demand in the Felda area, probably because people cannot go out.

“There are no food-delivery services in Felda settlements, so I will also do delivery.

“We have had to stop our catering services temporarily,” he said, adding that most of his customers are in the Klang Valley.

Amirul Mohd Sani, 35, who usually sells nasi kerabu and fruit juices at Ramadan bazaars with a friend, is still considering whether to open for business this year.

“This year, no bazaar permits have been issued; I do not know if I will do business or not,” he said.

The Kelantan-based seller said this was because he doesn’t expect food orders this Ramadan to be high.

“I have a friend who sells rice dishes. He plans to deliver his food using food-delivery services. If there are orders, then I’ll use the service, too.

“But I’m also afraid that there won’t be many orders, so what I cook might go to waste. Plus, products like juices and rice cannot be kept for long,” he said.

Senior Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob had said all kinds of Ramadan bazaars, including drive-thrus, bookings and pick-ups, are banned throughout the MCO.

Earlier, the Federal Territories Ministry had planned to implement Ramadan bazaars through orders and drive-thrus.

The MCO, which started March 18, coincides with the start of the fasting month. 

It is aimed at breaking the chain of Covid-19 infections.

The total number of Covid-19 cases in Malaysia stands at 5,603 cases, while recovered patients number 3,542. Meanwhile, 95 deaths have been reported. – April 24, 2020.