Wani Roslan

The weekly Bandarku Ceria, usually bustling with activities and visitors, was quiet and nearly empty yesterday, showing that the people in the Sultanate are taking the COVID-19 outbreak seriously.

The streets in the capital were quieter than usual with less than 10 vendors setting up stalls, many shops closed, fewer pedestrians, less cyclists and joggers.

Food vendor, Hajah Normah binti Salleh, who arrived before 5am to set up her stall shared that her income is affected due to poor attendance at the Bandarku Ceria.

“Most of our food items are sold out as early as 9am on a normal day. But today, we have to wait for a long time for customers,” she said.

As the main source of her family’s income, she said she hoped for a turn in business as vendors are still permitted to set up stalls at Bandarku Ceria.

Hajah Normah who is aware of the current situation of COVID-19 uses hand sanitiser and wears masks as precautions.

Vendor, Poujiah binti Haji Wahab Hoo, said less people were seen at Bandarku Ceria, adding that even the income dropped compared to the previous weeks.

“I am aware that the people are trying to avoid public areas. I initially thought we were not allowed to do any business here as there were fewer stalls today,” she said.

Visitor, Haji Ismail bin Haji Abdul Majid, said the majority of the vendors were not aware that they can carry out business activities during Bandarku Ceria. Aware of the COVID-19 outbreak, he advised the public to stay hygienic.

Another visitor, who identified herself as Siti Aisyah, said many activities have been cancelled in the past few days while the people are concerned about the increase in the number of people who have been infected.

“The cancellation of activities is part of the government’s initiatives to not allow mass gatherings in a bid to avoid the spread of the COVID-19. The people should be responsible and listen to what the authorities say,” she said.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) last Saturday informed the public that walkathon and other activities involving mass gathering will not be permitted during Bandarku Ceria. However, individual activities and business vendors are still allowed.