Showing that they mean what they say, the Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) ordered the Greenwood Ramadan bazaar in Gombak to close recently.

Officials from MPS found that COVID-19 SOPs were not being complied with and decided that closure was necessary.

The bazaar would be closed from 22 April to 25 April.



According to a report by The Star, the decision was made after taking into account the welfare of the traders as well.

"Among the offences were failure to ensure physical distancing (of 1m) between stalls as well lack of control for entry and exit points, including not using queue numbers and one-way traffic flow.

"Some traders were also found selling other items besides cooked food and drinks," said MPS corporate communications director Mohamad Zin Masoad via a statement.

All regulations must be followed

The temporary closure notice was issued under Section 18(1)(f) of the Infectious Diseases Prevention and Control Act.

"Our Licensing Department officers also explained the SOP and measures the organiser needs to comply with before they are allowed to reopen the bazaar," said Mohamad Zin.

He also said that MPS had already communicated with the bazaar organisers on additional SOPs that must be met.

They include getting visitors to use numbered queue cards, creating one-way traffic flows as well as not allowing kids below 12 and senior citizens about 65 to enter the area.

We're sure the traders and the people must be annoyed at the decision, but hey, safety first.

Good on MPS for finding a balance in ensuring safety and taking into account the welfare of the traders as well too.