Application for Penang Ramadan bazaar permits opens Friday

GEORGE TOWN, March 19  -- Application opens today for temporary business permits for the Ramadan bazaar in Penang City Council (MBPP) areas.

MBPP’s Markets (night, morning, weekly and daily markets; food truck and Ramadan) Committee chairman Ahmad Azrizal Tahir said that organisers were encouraged to apply online as approval would be given on a first-come, first-served basis.

He also said that applications can be made through elesen.mbpp.gov.my. Applicants need to submit a location plan and a copy of the applicant’s identity card. The number of approvals is limited to about 30 organisers.

“Thus far, the MBPP has received 14 applications from organisers; they are obliged to maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for both customers and traders. The organisers will face action in the event of violation of SOPs. Apart from the police, the Ministry of Health (MOH) and MBPP will also be there to conduct periodic monitoring.

“Foreigners are not allowed to conduct business, either as business owners or employees. Traders are also required to have typhoid injections,” he told reporters during a press conference here today.

He said that among the conditions that must be complied with by the organisers are provision of fire extinguishers, My Sejahtera registration facility, body temperature screening equipment, congestion control by the organisers or RELA and a two-metre gap between stalls. The use of straw and plastic food containers is discouraged.

Ahmad Azrizal said for this year Ramadan bazaar business would be allowed to operate from 3 pm to 7.30 pm, while the night market before Aidilfitri could start at 10 pm to midnight, depending on the changes as advised by the MOH.

-- BERNAMA