MIRI: For the second consecutive year, Muslims in the state are celebrating the Ramadan month under strict standard operating procedures (SOPs) to prevent the further spread of Covid-19.
For Iqbal Abdollah, a civil servant, this year’s Ramadan will be a modest month for him and his family.
“However, I am glad we are allowed to perform the ‘terawih’ prayers (group prayers) in surau and mosques under strict SOPs,” he said.
On the first day of Ramadan today, Iqbal and his family broke fast at home.
“Despite the relaxation of the conditions, we have to remember Covid-19 is still here, so always practise social distancing and wear masks while in public places,” he said.
With the cases going up and down, he stressed that it was crucial for the public to observe the standard operating procedures (SOPs) laid down by the government.
Iqbal added both the federal and state governments had made the right decision by cancelling the Ramadan bazaars.
“The main priority is the people’s safety. For me, the Ramadan bazaar can wait,” he said.
He added with the advancement in today’s technology, food traders could utilise the Ramadan e-bazaar concept.
“We can order food via e-hailing companies to replace the traditional Ramadan bazaar,” he said.
Echoing the similar sentiment was Sofina Tan, a food vendor and entrepreneur in her 40s.
“Technology and e-bazaar applications have helped us a lot, especially during Covid-19 pandemic,” she said.
Tan added cancelling the annual Ramadan bazaars following the spike in Covid-19 positive cases was the right move.
“It’s not the end of the world. We can use the Ramadan e-bazaar application to reach out to our customers,” she said.
