No decision yet on FT Ramadan bazaars, Annuar Musa stresses

KUALA LUMPUR (April 1): No decision was made yet on whether there will be Ramadan bazaars in the Federal Territories, stressed minister Annuar Musa in a Malaysiakini report today.

He said reports citing him as saying that bazaars will proceed were taken out of context.

"There is no decision on the matter. I want to hear a briefing from local authorities in the Federal Territories first," he said in a Facebook live video today.

"It is important for us to safeguard public health, and make sure everything is well managed.

"It is not possible that I simply make such a simplistic statement and announce that Ramadan bazaars will proceed," he said.

According to Malaysiakini, Ramadan is expected to start on April 23, just over a week after the movement control order is supposed to end on April 14.

Annuar yesterday was cited by Bernama as saying Ramadan bazaars will not be cancelled but will be adjusted as they were needed by the people, especially those living in the big cities.

“We have to think of the need of urban folks who do not have the time to cook after returning from work,” he was additionally quoted as saying.

The Star, however, reported Annuar as merely saying he wanted proposals on a revised format for Ramadan bazaars.

Malaysiakini quoting Annuar said today that he will hear the briefing from Kuala Lumpur City Hall, Putrajaya Corporation, and Labuan Corporation this Friday before making any decisions.

He said any decisions will not be made without first consulting the Health Ministry, and the National Security Council.

Health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said that bazaars can be held during Ramadan if they follow the ministry's guidelines to ensure social distancing and good hygiene.

Malacca, Negeri Sembilan, and Terengganu have already cancelled Ramadan bazaars for this year.

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