No restrictions on economic activities including Ramadan bazaars: Malaysian PM
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Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob (fourth from right) at a Keluarga Malaysia Chinese New Year luncheon on Feb 13, 2022.
PHOTO: THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
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KUALA LUMPUR (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - There will be no restrictions imposed on economic activities this year, including Ramadan bazaars, said Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
However, he said that a more refined standard operating procedure, to be announced at a later date, would be set for Ramadan bazaars. These bazaars are held during the Muslim fasting month which this year starts on April 3.
"We will not close down businesses. I have mentioned earlier that the Raya celebration, fasting month, Ramadan bazaar and night market will go on as usual," he told reporters at a Keluarga Malaysia Chinese New Year luncheon yesterday.
Earlier, the media reported grouses among Ramadan bazaar traders who were worried that they would not be able to operate in view of the surge in Covid-19 cases following the spread of the Omicron variant over the past one month.
A total of 22,802 new Covid-19 infections were recorded on Saturday (Feb 12), bringing the cumulative total to more than three million.
Last week, Federal Territories minister Shahidan Kassim said Ramadan bazaars would be allowed to operate as usual in the territories this year, with the enforcement of the existing curbs.
In 2020, Ramadan bazaars were not allowed nationwide, while last year, the bazaars were prohibited only in the enhanced movement control order areas.
On a separate matter, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri said the federal government was stable with Umno leading it.
"We have proven that this government is a stable one, I am a prime minister from Umno who is backed by other friendly parties," he added.
He was asked to comment on Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, who was reported to have said that political stability in Malaysia could only be achieved "without Umno being part of the government".
To this, Mr Ismail Sabri said the country's political stability had also been achieved and proven with the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the government and the opposition.
"This has never happened before, and this was done to ensure the country's politics remain stable... and so, what was stated by the Menteri Besar is not even an issue," he said.
Meanwhile, Mr Ismail Sabri is planning to go to the Middle East for a working visit at the end of March and to China in May.
Prior to that, he will complete his working visit to Asean countries, beginning Brunei, which is scheduled for today, followed by other countries such as Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.
Indonesia was the first country visited by Mr Ismail Sabri after he took office on Aug 21 last year.
