Ramadan Bazaar: 2,188 notices of various offences issued

PUTRAJAYA - A total of 2,188 notices made under Section 32B of the Food Act 1983 with an estimated compound value worth RM197,600 have been issued to premises and food operators nationwide throughout Ramadan this year.

The Health Ministry in a statement today informed that the notices were issued for various types of offences such as not undergoing food handler training, did not take anti-typhoid injections and not wearing proper food handler clothing.

A total of 640 Ramadan bazaar across the country were visited from March 23, 2023, to April 16, 2023, where 51,849 premises were inspected.

Out of the number, 14 premises were ordered to close under Section 11 of the Food Act 1983.

A total of 104,755 food operators were inspected in which 93 per cent or 96,911 food handers had gotten anti-typhoid injections and 84 percent (87,832) had attended food handler training.

As of April 18, the Ministry had received 17 complaints about the food sold at Ramadan bazaar.

"A total of 15 complaints have been investigated while another two are still undergoing investigation process.

As for food poisoning incidents, the Ministry said they received two reports up until April 13.

The incidents were caused by food purchased at Asia City Ramadan bazaar, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah and UiTM Segamat Ramadan bazaar, Johor.

All cases had received treatment at a nearby health facilities.

Additionally, four compound notices were issued at the UiTM Segamat bazaar for the offence of not complying to clothing guidelines set under the Food Hygiene Regulations 2009.

"UiTM Segamat Ramadan bazaar site has also been ordered to closed according to the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988," said the Ministry.

In conjunction to Hari Raya Aidilfitri, the Health Ministry has advised the public to be aware of food safety aspects.

Do practice a clean and sanitary food handling process, especially during this festive month or when organising open houses.

Always practice personal hygiene such as washing your hands with soap and clean water before preparing food, before eating and after going to the toilet.

Take a look, smell and taste the food before eating it all to avoid food poisoning." the statement read.