RAMADAN and Aidilfitri Bazaars in Kuala Lumpur are allowed to operate during the two-week movement control order (MCO) which begins tomorrow, said Federal Territory Minister Annuar Musa.

He said Ramadan bazaars will be allowed to operate from 3pm to 8pm, while Aidilfitri bazaars can open from 10am to 10pm.

“We also will give a one-hour leeway before and after operations for food preparation, setting up stalls and cleaning up,” he said at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur today.

He also added that there will be no dine-in allowed during the MCO period.

“Take away, delivery and drive-through will be permitted during this period.”

Yesterday, Senior Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said that Kuala Lumpur will be placed under the MCO as the number of Covid-19 cases and clusters continue to increase. 

“The Health Ministry has confirmed a total of 17 new clusters throughout Kuala Lumpur from April 1 to April 27 with an increasing number of daily cases. 

“After reviewing the presentations and suggestions from the Health Ministry, Putrajaya agreed to execute the MCO throughout Kuala Lumpur from May 7 to May 20.”

Kuala Lumpur reported 313 fresh infections yesterday. 

Annuar said only three people are allowed to visit the stalls at any one time for both the bazaars. 

“If there are 50 stalls then 150 people are allowed to visit. He said they should use a numbering card system to control the crowd and ensure social distancing.

“We also suggest that visitors spend about 30 to 45 minutes at the bazaars and please avoid bringing children and babies.”

As for enforcement, he urges the operators to discuss the omnipresence of police, army and city hall enforcement officers at the bazaars. 

“The Health Ministry also gave permission to City Hall enforcement officers to compound those who flout the law. 

“If there are positive cases. We will shut down the bazaars.”

Annuar said restaurants, stalls, kiosks, food trucks and food courts are allowed to operate from 6am to midnight. 

He also said that grocery stores can operate from 6am to 12 midnight, while other economic sectors such as pharmacies, petrol stations are allowed to operate from 6am to 10pm.

As for prayer activities, the Federal Territories Ministry said Muslim and non-Muslim places of worship are allowed to operate based on the state religious department and National Unity Ministry. – May 6, 2021.