KUCHING: Forty-five notices have been issued against food operators for various offences under the Food Hygiene Regulations 2009 at Ramadan bazaars in Kuching District.
The notices were issued under an operation called ‘Ops Ramadan’ conducted by 20 members of the Kuching Divisional Health Office’s Food Quality Safety Unit and the Health Promotion Unit.
According to the Kuching Divisional Health officer Dr Johnny Pangkas, thus far, inspections have been done to stalls in areas that have already obtained permits from local authorities such as Kuching North City Hall (DBKU); Kuching South City Council (MBKS); and Padawan Municipal Council (MPP).
It added that the offences included failure to wear full protective clothing, consisting of bright-coloured aprons, head coverings and appropriate footwear.
Additionally, some operators were found to be wearing personal jewellery such as watches, bracelets, pins or other accessories while handling food.
“In total, 16 notices were each issued at Medan Niaga Satok and Emart Matang Ramadan Bazaars, followed by 13 notices issued at Batu Kawa Emart Ramadan Bazaars.”
Following this, he stated that during the month of Ramadan this time, the Ministry of Health will continue the Ramadan Operation 2024 simultaneously throughout the country in all food premises including the Ramadan bazaars that operate throughout the country.
He pointed out that the said operational activity involves the inspection of the premises as well as the sampling of food with the aim of ensuring that the food prepared or sold is safe, in compliance with the Food Act 1983 and the regulations under it.
“This inspection will also be carried out in cooperation with the respective local authorities. In addition, awareness campaigns related to food safety to the public, operators and operators of raw material premises, food preparation premises, food supplier premises are also actively carried out through health education materials, mass media, electronic media and social media.”
Having said that, Johnny also advised the public to prioritise food safety throughout this Ramadan when choosing any iftar food as it is the easiest step to avoid food poisoning.
“Traders are advised to first clean raw materials before they are used in food preparation and not to prepare high-risk food too early before it is ready to be sold.
“Traders are also reminded that the use of stapler bullets to wrap food must be stopped immediately. If convicted, can be fined a maximum of RM10,000, imprisoned for up to two years or both.
“Heavier penalties can also be imposed if the substance is found in food, which can be fined a maximum of RM100,000, imprisoned for up to 10 years or both.”
For the record, a total of 17 bazaar sites are operating in 2024, of which nine are under DBKU, seven under MBKS and one under MPP.
