Article Credit - [The Star]
The iconic Bazaar Ramadan Jalan Taiping in Klang will return this year but with half the usual sprawl of stalls to allow for physical distancing.
Klang Municipal Council’s (MPK) Licensing and Hawkers Department director Azhar Samsudin pointed out that the conditional movement control order (CMCO) allowed for outdoor trading.
“There will only be 244 trading lots along Jalan Taiping and nearby streets. In 2019, there were 491 lots. This is to allow for physical distancing, where people should be two metres apart and use face masks. There will also be free hand sanitiser stations and a one-way path in and out to prevent overcrowding,” he said.
Children below 13 years old and people aged above 55 will not be allowed to enter.
Bazaar Ramadan Jalan Taiping is known for items such as clothes, gifts, home decor, artificial flowers and plants as well as costume jewellery.
This year, it will be open from May 2 to 11.
“Stallholders will only be allowed to operate for 10 days. In the past, it was 23 days but due to the current conditions, we have to abide by the National Security Council’s (MKN) guidelines,” said Azhar.
He added that MKN had also allowed the Ramadan Bazaar at Jalan Selamat, off Jalan Sungai Bertih, in Teluk Pulai to be held.
An estimated 80 trading lots will be opened there.
“Those interested in trading at Jalan Taiping and Jalan Selamat must submit their applications before April 2. Virtual bidding will be conducted in batches, applicants will be provided a link to participate in the bidding,” said Azhar.
“Our department will decide the starting bid price soon and applicants will be informed," he said.
Other than the two Ramadan Bazaar locations, MPK has also made plans for “Bazar Juadah” where only food and beverages will be sold.
Previously, Bazar Juadah was held in 45 areas with 1,900 lots, but now it has been trimmed to 44 locations with 950 lots.
They will operate from April 13 to May 11.
He said the five popular Bazaar Juadah locations under MPK were Taman Sri Andalas with 60 lots, Simpang Empat (60), Jalan Raja Mokhtar in Kapar (107), Jalan Paip in Meru (40) and Jalan Rantau Panjang (92).