22 Ramadan bazaars nationwide ordered close for three days

KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 22 of the 1,073 Ramadan bazaars currently operating nationwide have been ordered to close for three days, effective Saturday, according to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT).

The ministry, in a statement, said that the closure involved four Ramadan bazaars in Johor, Kedah (three), Penang (eight), two each in Pahang, Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, and one in Perak.

It said that all the bazaars were identified as high-risk areas that could trigger the spread of Covid-19 infection, based on data collected in the report by Hotspot Identification by Dynamic Engagement (HIDE).

“The HIDE report has shown that the number of close contacts is high among visitors and traders at the Ramadan bazaars involved.

“As of April 15, a total of 904 Covid-19 positive cases were reported to have a history of visits or being infected by individuals who had visited the said Ramadan bazaars,” the statement read.