Brunei army fires an iftar cannon during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan in Bandar Seri Begawan, capital of Brunei, on April 14, 2021. (Photo by Jeffrey Wong/Xinhua)
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, April 14 (Xinhua) -- Muslims in Brunei observed the first day of the holy fasting month of Ramadan on Wednesday as the COVID-19 pandemic is under control in the country.
The daily period of fasting starts at the breaking of dawn and ends at the setting of the sun.
Twelve cannon shots were fired at Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar Ali Saifuddien in the capital, which unveiled the fasting month.
Unlike last year's practice of closing all Ramadan markets due to the COVID-19 outbreak, as Brunei has put the epidemic under control, Ramadan markets were resumed in several locations across the country, with vendors offering Malay-style cakes, barbecue, various drinks and other Muslim delicacies, attracting a large number of people from all ethnic groups.
"This is good news for Muslims in this country, in particular, to be able to perform the fasting obligation in a comfortable environment, which is also a blessing to Brunei," said Brunei's Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah in his speech broadcasted nationwide before welcoming the first day of Ramadan.
The Sultan called for the observation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) outlined by the authorities to continue, adding that it is imperative not to "ignore precautionary measures, for as long as they are needed."
"All daily activities must be done with prudence, including gatherings, recreational pursuits and shopping. If the SOPs must be observed, then it must be adhered to. We must continue with the new normal for safety and health purposes, particularly in performing the fast," he said.
Brunei reported two new confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, bringing the national tally to 221. These two cases are being treated and monitored at the National Isolation Center with the other 10 active cases, who are all in a stable condition.
A total of 80 imported cases have been confirmed since the last local infection case on May 6, 2020. Brunei has recorded 343 days without local COVID-19 infection cases.
There have been three deaths and 206 recovered patients reported from COVID-19 so far in Brunei.
During the month of Ramadan, local eateries are required not to serve dine-in customers in daylight hours under local law. Offenders will be prosecuted for disrespecting the holy month of Ramadan.
Consuming food, drinking and smoking in public places during daylight are also offenses under the law, under which offenders can be prosecuted.
But non-Muslims can buy fast food takeaway in restaurants or eateries. Enditem
