In spite of the blanket ban on Ramadan bazaars this year, food delivery or e-hailing services, including for fast food restaurants, are still allowed, said Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

The Senior Minister (Security Cluster) said more than 40 registered e-hailing companies in the country are allowed to operate as usual throughout the MCO period.

In addition, the Bera MP said the government also allowed small companies that had their own food delivery, or individuals serving as food delivery riders in small towns and rural areas, to continue operating.

"We understand the services of these 40 companies are not available in small towns. In small towns, there may be lesser companies that provide food delivery or individuals hired to deliver food.

“They are also included in our decision provided they obtain a permit from the PBT (local authorities). Our policy is that small companies or individuals are allowed to send food,” he told a media conference here today.

In a press conference yesterday, Ismail Sabri announced the proposed Ramadan e-bazaars, whether in the form of ‘drive-thru’ or ‘pack and pick up’ was not allowed during the MCO period.

He said the decision was made after he had reviewed and heard from the Federal Territories Ministry through the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) on the proposal.

Meanwhile, Ismail Sabri said the government had directed those allowed to send food to undergo health screening to ensure that they were free of COVID-19.

"Today's meeting decided that in order to maintain the safety of these food delivery providers, they would have to undergo health screening that could be done at any Health Clinic or private clinics in their district.

"We want to take care of their health because we know they are the ones who will send food directly to the customers, and there will be a face-to-face situation with the customers," he added.

Ismail Sabri said the Ministry of Transport would issue directions to the 40 delivery companies while the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs would issue guidelines for fast food restaurants.