KOTA BARU: The Kelantan government today announced a special allocation of RM1.5 million to help all 2,500 traders who are unable to operate in the Ramadan bazaars following its cancellation recently.
The allocation is expected to be handed over to the affected traders as soon as possible.
State Local Government, Health and Housing Committee chairman Dr Izani Husin said the decision was made during a special meeting with Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Yakob and his deputy Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah this morning.
"The state government understands that many traders especially those who have applied for the licence to operate in Ramadan bazaars in the state have lost their income for this fasting month when we decided not to allow Ramadan bazaars to operate this year.
"We are aware that many had already bought the necessary equipment and other items for the preparation (to operate Ramadan bazaars) but we have no choice as Covid-19 cases recorded in the state have increased drasticly of late," he told reporters at his office today.
Dr Izani said the 2,500 traders who would receive the money were those who have registered to operate the bazaars in all local municipal councils throughout the state.
"We will give the money according to the list of the trader's names provided by the local municipal councils.
"Majority of the traders were from Kota Baru Municipal Council which recorded the highest number while Jeli recorded the smallest number.
"The state government hopes that the money will help ease the burden suffered by the traders following the decision," he added.
The Kelantan government recently announced it would not allow Ramadan bazaars to operate in the state due to a drastic increase of Covid-19 cases.
Terawih prayers or locally known as "Madinah Ramadan" as well as all state government's programmes scheduled to be held during this fasting month, were also cancelled.
The decision was made barely a week after the state government had allowed initially allowed Ramadan bazaars to operate in this fasting month.