THE government has agreed to extend operating hours for Aidilfitri Bazaars to 2am starting tomorrow, said Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

According to Ismail Sabri, the National Security Council special committee had agreed to the extension after taking into account feedback from traders.

“People usually go out after Terawih prayers and bazaars are only open till midnight.

“So the traders have asked for an extension and the committee has agreed,” he said at a press conference in Putrajaya today.

Ismail Sabri also advised people going to Ramadan bazaars to follow the standard operating procedures. 

“When the government allows Ramadan bazaars, our purpose is actually to make it easier for singles and for those who are working to buy food for breaking fast as well as for traders to earn an income.

“However, there are many cases of SOP violations that have been reported on social media with various pictures and videos.”

He said, so far, some bazaars have been closed by local authorities such as the Greenwood Ramadan Bazaar in Gombak, Selangor, and Ramadan Bazaar Bukit Nyamuk, Kuala Nerang.

“This will definitely be inconvenient to the traders and affect visitors.

“So, all visitors must strictly follow the SOP to prevent any closures. I hope we all abide by the SOP that have been set to prevent things like this from happening.” – April 23, 2021.