BY ALEXANDRA LORNA & ANNABELL NAJA TOMMY
KUCHING: The public are now able to visit Ramadan Bazaars after a two years’ lapse due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Yesterday, the Ramadan Bazaar near the Stutong Community Market here attracted not only Muslims but also Malaysians of other races.
Due to the COVID-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs), the public had to line up and wait for their turns to enter the bazaar.
Before the pandemic, the public could just simply walk in and out from the bazaar without having to scan the MySejahtera code.
In addition to that, only 68 stalls are allowed to participate in this year’s bazaar organised by Kuching South City Council (MBKS) due to the need to comply with the SOPs.
New Sarawak Tribune managed to speak to some of the patrons and traders at the bazaar.
ISMAIL HAMDAN
(Operator of Cowboy Drink stall)
I would like to thank the government for allowing the operation of the Ramadan Bazaar this year. I have been selling at this bazaar for nine years during Ramadan and I am truly happy and grateful to be able to sell again this year.
HUSSEIN ALI
(Operator of Normah Family Crispy stall)
This is the first time I’m selling at this Ramadan Bazaar. It is really worthwhile to be here as there are many customers here. With that I hope there will be more sales.
SABLI BINI
(Patron)
Finally, I am able to experience the Ramadan Bazaar atmosphere again after a long time. Normally, during Ramadan, I will always visit the bazaars and buy foods and drinks for breaking of fast.
MUNAH TAHOT
(Patron)
I am so happy to come here to visit the Ramadan Bazaar. This is the kind of atmosphere people have been waiting for. But most importantly, we still need to follow closely the SOPs so that we can look forward to celebrating Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
NILAWATY AUJI
(MBKS staff)
It is a time like this that everyone is waiting for, especially during the holy month of Ramadan. I would like to remind the people to abide by the SOPs. Practise physical distancing and keep your face masks on all the time.
SAAMAH BOJENG
(MBKS Councillor)
This is the time that we have been waiting for. Alhamdulillah, the government has allowed us to organise the Ramadan Bazaar this year. At the Ramadan Bazaar, it is also a time for the people to savour the food sold as well as strengthens the relationships among the various races.
