KUCHING: The holding of Ramadan bazaars, which might be allowed this year, has been met with mixed feelings by the public here due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Kuching has remained a red zone for quite some time and large gatherings are prohibited.
The one-month gathering of food vendors, a traditional annual event during the month of Ramadan, has always been anticipated by not only Muslims, but people of other faiths as well.
The bazaars offer a variety of mouth-watering food and were always packed with people. This has brought up a lot of concerns among the members of the public.
New Sarawak Tribune spoke with several people on whether Ramadan bazaars should be held or not.
Azizul Qusyairin (Student)
Ramadan bazaars should not be held because it can increase the risk of Covid-19 transmissions in those areas. People might not follow the standard operating procedures (SOPs). I would miss going to the bazaars but I would be satisfied with an online bazaar since it’s just the change of environment.
Siti Lailatul Qadriah (Student)
I don’t think bazaars should be held. We don’t know who is infected with Covid-19 and who is not. Plus, not everyone is vaccinated and this may cause a new cluster to emerge. I will miss the local cakes that are only available during the month of Ramadan. To be honest, I am not really fond with online bazaars since I rarely order food online.
PETRUSHA INN (Student)
I would love for the Ramadan bazaars to be held if the government gives us a green light as long as the SOPs are practised at all times. This is because it is one of the events in the country that brings us closer. It unites us as Sarawakians. However, if the holding of bazaars this year is not allowed, I would be satisfied with an online bazaar.
Terisa Nathan (Director)
I think it is okay for bazaars to commence operations because it is currently a norm for the public to gather in malls and open spaces. However, SOPs should be adhered to at all times regardless of the event or situation. I would miss the varieties of food that I am able to choose from. I would be dissatisfied with an online bazaar as it is inconvenient to purchase food online.
Mohd Nashriq Nizam (Programme Officer (Refugees) at Mercy Malaysia)
In my opinion, everyone should follow the dos and don’ts if Ramadan bazaars are allowed to operate. The government must impose strict SOPs and everyone has to follow them. So, there’s no reason why we can’t have our bazaars operate.
