YOURSAY | Shutting down Ramadan bazaars - too little, too late

 

YOURSAY | ‘Those in charge are really shooting in all directions hoping for a hit.’

S'gor shuts down Ramadan bazaars in MCO areas

Bruclax: The issue of Ramadan bazaars was a mistake right from the start. I wonder how the powers-that-be can scurry like rats every time Covid-19 cases increase.

We have been in this mess since March last year and it is clear that both the public and government have learnt nothing. Those in charge of fighting this pandemic are really shooting in all directions hoping for a hit.

Meanwhile, the public just goes about doing what they want. As a consequence, we have all got onto this rollercoaster ride… up and down, and those unlucky fall out, contributing to the fatality rate.

The imminent danger is the fact that the Covid-19 vaccination programme has commenced and there will be many who will begin to feel that they are now protected from the disease. I shudder to think how this feeling is to going to translate into action.

There must be a concerted effort to drum into the rakyat that having had the vaccination does not translate to complete immunity from the disease and transmission is still a clear and present danger.

Standard operating procedures (SOPs) have to be crystal clear and enforcement brutal. Stop this double standards nonsense as it only contributes to bad blood between the government and the people.

It’s time for a review of the people who have been in charge of managing the Covid-19 crisis. Look at it this way, if they are effective, why are we still in this mess?

It is not impossible to contain the pandemic as there are countries that have managed this crisis far better than us. Just learn from them. We need to operate on a war footing, otherwise the path to the end is not only near but also clear.

United: None of the Ramadan bazaars is following SOP. Most visitors ‘pura pura’ (pretend to) scan the code by taking out their phone.

I guess the Covid-19 cases suddenly increased mostly due to the Ramadan bazaars. But because the majority of them did not scan MySejahtera, the government is unable to detect and trace those affected.

As for restaurants, close them down if they are violating the SOP rather than issuing them a RM50,000 fine. With the hefty compound, it will only benefit the government and the nation’s coffers, and will not reduce the risk of spreading the virus.

Our main purpose is to contain the virus, so closing down those restaurants violating the SOP for 14 days is the solution.

Mano: "Since they have operated at the Ramadan bazaars for 25 days, I think we are not being cruel in forcing them to shut down.”

Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari, whether it is five days or 25 days, you made a decision to close Ramadan bazaars based on facts of it "not being cruel" to inflict more Covid-19 cases, more deaths and more long-term economic repercussions all round.

What kind of logic are you using, Amirudin? Are you pandering to the voters or making definitive decisions?

Nain: People are dying due to Covid-19, and the Selangor menteri besar is worried about the traders' stock, or actually maybe, he’s more concerned about their votes.

RedMinnow1143: @Nain, did you even read the article or read the Selangor menteri besar’s statement?

It says he is closing down Ramadan bazaars starting Saturday and giving a small compensation to the traders affected. That shows he is sensitive to their difficult position but he has to be firm and close them.

There is a saying - if one doesn't open one's mouth, people around won't know one is stupid.

Concerned PA: Well done to the Selangor government for taking proactive measures to contain the spread of Covid-19.

The movement control order (MCO) only works if the movement of people is curtailed. It is absurd to impose an MCO and allow economic activity involving 80 percent of the population.

A total lockdown like MCO 1.0 is what is required to flatten the curve. These short stints of MCO without strict rules will not do anyone any good.

IndigoMarlin2492: It’s time for the Selangor government to take more control and not leave it to the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government to decide. They lack the political will to follow through with the correct measure.

Half-baked policies for the masses, such as the two-day school closure if there is a Covid-19 case detected among students and teachers of the school, will only further spread the virus as symptoms normally only start showing in three to five days.

Jonah1: To stay alive… stay at home. Don’t listen to any of these politicians.

All Ramadan, Aidilfitri bazaars in MCO areas to close from Monday

Wakandan: That is what I was trying to say - don’t do things after it is too late. Make the correct/wise decision the first time so that there will be no flip-flop.

We have been opening Ramadan bazaars for a few weeks already. God knows the size of infection as a result. What’s so difficult about seeing the danger of the pandemic that lies in crowded places? Is not SOP about maintaining social distance and that crowded places are at risk?

We are seeing just too many flip-flopping.

YellowTiger1314: Most Ramadan bazaars will end on Tuesday and they decided to shut it on Monday? What difference does that make? Covid-19 will only come out on Tuesday?

Miloroti: Too little, too late. This is a case of closing the barn door after the horses have bolted. Oh well, what is an extra couple of days for the virus to continue spreading and infecting? - Mkini