LABUAN, April 13 (Bernama) -- A senator today proposed that Ramadan bazaars on this duty-free island initiative cashless transactions to expedite service and check the possible spread of COVID-19 infection.

Datuk Bashir Alias said, “we cannot only minimise physical contact and control the spread of COVID-19 infection, but speed up the service.

“Patrons just need to download the eWallet mobile application, top-up cash and scan the QR code of the merchants to make a purchase.

“We want to encourage the public as well to switch from the traditional payment method to cashless transactions,” he told reporters after making a tour of the Labuan Walk Bazaar Ramadan with Labuan Health Department personnel.

Bashir and Health Department director Dr Ismuni Bohari presented health awareness leaflets and aprons to the traders.

Meanwhile, Dr Ismuni said his personnel had conducted ready-to-eat (RTE) food sampling with at least 39 food samples taken on April 11 for lab tests.

“Our approach is more of an educational and awareness campaign for the bazaar traders. We will continue to conduct checks (until the end of Ramadan) … not to penalise but to educate traders on the importance of food safety under the Food Act 1983,” he said.

Dr Ismuni also said that a mobile truck would be stationed at Ramadan bazaars as a one-stop centre for MySejahtera updates or handling of any vaccine-related issue, COVID-19 vaccine campaign and health education campaign.

-- BERNAMA