Terengganu Health Dept Issues 22 Notices To Bazaar Traders

KUALA TERENGGANU, March 6 (Bernama) -- The Terengganu Health Department (JKNT) has issued 22 notices to food traders for various offences during the first three days of Ramadan.

Its director Datuk Dr Kasemani Embong said 840 Ramadan bazaar stalls were inspected statewide and RM2,800 in compound fines were imposed.

She said among the offences were employing workers without anti-typhoid vaccinations, non-compliance with food handler attire and poor personal hygiene among food handlers.

"During these three days, we also randomly collected 22 out of 64 planned samples for analysis and to ensure compliance with the Food Act 1983 and its regulations.

"Among the samples taken were ‘ayam masak merah’, ‘nasi kerabu’, ‘ayam kerutuk’, ‘gulai terung’, and ‘ayam paprik’," she said in a statement today.

Meanwhile, Dr Kasemani said the department had formed 102 teams comprising 410 enforcement personnel to carry out monitoring duties at this year’s Ramadan bazaars.

According to her, a total of 4,351 Ramadan bazaar stalls have been registered with the local authorities (PBT) and private entities at 70 locations statewide this year.

"Apart from Ramadan bazaars, monitoring will also continue at supermarkets, grocery shops, and other raw material suppliers.

"JKNT has also introduced a QR code at Ramadan bazaars to obtain information and feedback from the public regarding hygiene standards," she said.

In this regard, she reminded traders to always comply with regulations and practise proper food hygiene.

The public is also advised to adopt the 'observe and choose' approach before making any purchases at Ramadan bazaars or shops.

-- BERNAMA