JOHOR BARU: Traders at this year’s Ramadan bazaars within the Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) jurisdiction are prohibited from using polystyrene food containers and newspapers to wrap food.

       Johor Baru mayor Datuk Noorazam Osman said it is also mandatory for them to wear a face mask properly, apron and disposable gloves while manning their stalls.

       As the traders will be banned from using polystyrene containers and newspapers for food at the Ramadan bazaars, he advised customers to bring their own food containers or tiffin carriers.

       "The practice will help to reduce the amount of rubbish and at the same time reduce environmental pollution," Noorazam said in his speech during the MBJB full council meeting on Wednesday (March 30).

       He said that the council had approved 44 Ramadan and four Hari Raya Aidilfitri bazaars this year.

       Noorazam said among the Ramadan bazaars are those located at Jalan Padi Ria 13, Bandar Baru Uda, Bandar Baru Uda hawker centre at Jalan Padi Mahsuri 22, Jalan Mata Kucing and Masjid Ungku Aminah in Kampung Pasir, Tampoi.

       The Hari Raya Aidilfitri bazaars are Tebing Dato Onn at Bandar Dato Onn, the parking lots of Bandar Dato Onn Aeon shopping mall and Tunku Mahkota Ismail Youth Centre at MBJB Urban Jungle. The fourth location is still pending.

       The fasting month for Muslims is expected to start on April 2.

       Separately, Noorazam said businesses, especially those in downtown Johor Baru, will benefit when the borders between Malaysia and Singapore are fully reopened on Friday (April 1).

       He said thousands of Malaysian workers in Singapore who have been away from their loved ones since March 18, 2020, when the borders were closed under the movement control order can look forward to reuniting with their families after two years.

       "We will play our part to welcome visitors and tourists from Singapore for the border opening including infrastructure readiness, cleanliness and safety and security," said Noorazam.

       He also revealed that the crime rate within the MBJB jurisdiction had declined from 2,466 cases in 2020 to 1,384 cases last year.