KUCHING: One of the most awaited events which marks the fasting month is the Ramadan bazaar.
Small business owners would often seize the opportunity to get a hawker stall spot at Ramadan bazaars that have become very popular over the years. Offering various delicacies and snacks to beverages, the public is often spoilt for choice.
As in other food service operations, hygiene is one area which the authorities are particular about at these food bazaars and Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng said there are requirements which the hawkers must comply with to ensure food and beverages offered are hygienic and safe.
He said hawkers must be vaccinated with antityphoid vaccination and undergo prior medical check-up.
“They must also undergo and a complete food handlers’ course which covers the guidelines on food hygiene and safety,” he said.
Wee said the MBKS would conduct daily checks on the Ramadan bazaars under its jurisdiction to ensure hygiene and safety compliance.
“At the same time, we also work together with officers from the Ministry of Health (MoH),” he added.
Meanwhile, Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) chairman Datuk Peter Minos said the local council is very strict when it comes to cleanliness and proper waste disposal.
MPKS conducts spot checks at least twice a day to ensure hawker stall operators are not complacent.
“So far, there are no problems when it comes to complying with the regulations and guidelines. Those who are complacent will be handled accordingly,” he said.
As for the Miri City Council (MCC), Mayor Adam Yii said a briefing on food handling has been conducted for hawker stall operators before the start of the Ramadan bazaars.
During the application process, the council briefed the applicants on the need to undergo a food handlers’ course, typhoid injection, and medical check-up.
“Public health officers are on duty at the Ramadan bazaars which are under the council’s jurisdiction. They will monitor daily,” he added.
