Ramadhan bazaars are still a thing this year in KL and Selangor

[ UPDATE 16/04/2020 18:00 ]: Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has announced that all forms of Ramadhan bazaars are not allowed during the MCO period. More details here.

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Grab is making Ramadhan bazaars possible as they are partnering up with the government of Selangor and Ministry of Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur. This will take place after the MCO lifted and it will continue to comply with the social distancing directive/ruling.

Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said he received many complaints from traders after announcing the cancellation of this year’s traditional Ramadan bazaars on 1st April in an effort to stop the spread of Covid-19.

“As a result of my previous decision, we estimated that more than 17,000 traders will lose their source of income. Therefore, the state government has taken the initiative to build a new entrepreneur ecosystem with delivery company Grab Malaysia, said the Menteri Besar.

Sean Goh, Country Head of Grab Malaysia stated in a press release that he is encouraging us to go cashless this fasting month and help the Bazaar entrepreneurs continue to thrive so they can deliver their goods directly your homes.

The digital bazaar only allows online purchases via the Grab app, and will comply with all food preparation regulations set by the Health Ministry. The Selangor state government also has identified 15 locations to serve as central kitchens.

Recently, Grab supported small, independent restaurants and hawkers by boosting their visibility and demand with their ‘Local Heroes‘ campaign, as they are least likely able to support themselves in a rough economic climate during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Along with making e-Bazaar a reality, the company is teaming up with restaurant partners to make Ramadhan favourites available through GrabFood, like Ayam Percik, Murtabak and Roti John. The company is also encouraging social sellers and home-based micro-entrepreneurs throughout Malaysia to serve online customers through Grab.

According to their press release, the services besides GrabFood will be GrabExpress for on-demand Ramadhan deliveries and e-Bazar Ramadan Initiatives Nationwide to support local councils get used to the online service.

“At times like this, we are humbled to be able to use our technology and platform so that Malaysians can still celebrate the fasting month in a safe, hygienic and socially distanced manner,” said Sean Goh.

For local councils who are interested in using the service to digitise your Ramadhan Bazaar, or if you own a business and are keen to use Grab’s resources, you can visit the site here.

[ SOURCE, IMAGE SOURCE ]