No to Ramadan bazaar, social distancing is near impossible - Medical experts

KUALA LUMPUR, April 1 -- Adequate social distancing will be near-impossible to achieve in this COVID-19 pandemic, given the popularity and congestion of Ramadan bazaars, according to the Academy of Medicine Malaysia.

In a statement, the group comprising 11 colleges of various medical specialties said close contact will inevitably occur in parking areas, en-route and between customers and vendors, and the premature easing of social distancing may potentially lead to the third wave of infections.

“Many sacrifices have been and continue to be made this year. The war against COVID-19 is far from over, and we will need to continue persevering in order to enjoy many more Ramadans to come. Losing this war is not an option,” it said.

The statement came in response to the news report quoting Federal Territories Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa saying that the management of Ramadan bazaars in the Federal Territories would be modified from this year to prevent congestion at the stalls.

While objecting strongly with any plan to hold Ramadan bazaars this year given the ongoing threat of COVID-19, the group suggested that an online Ramadan bazaar with delivery services be promoted instead in order to reduce the risk of infections and to minimise the economic impact on petty traders.

-- BERNAMA