MPP to conduct multi-agency inspection to ensure cleanliness, compliance at Ramadan bazaars

KUCHING (Jan 22): The Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) will conduct a regular monitoring and inspection to ensure cleanliness, safety and regulatory compliance at the upcoming Ramadan bazaars.

A briefing was held by MPP together with the Kuching Division Health Office, Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living and Sarawak Islamic Religious Department (Jais) at the MPP hall here yesterday.

MPP chairman Tan Kai said the multi-agency collaboration was necessary to standardise all aspects related to food hygiene, price control and Halal compliance/

“Previously, there were about 300 stalls at Ramadan bazaar sites, averaging around 30 stalls per location. We do not have an exact estimated number of visitors as people from various ethnic backgrounds will be attending. That is why safety and public health are extremely important,” he said when met by reporters.

He also urged Ramadan bazaar organisers to collect used cooking oil on behalf of MPP and coordinate with their partner companies for proper disposal and payment.

Tan said that the Kuching Division Health Office would ensure compliance with food safety and personal hygiene requirements, including mandatory typhoid vaccinations for food handlers and proper attire, while Jais would oversee the Halal compliance matters.

A total of 10 Ramadan bazaar sites are expected to be in operation from Feb 19-March 13, including four community-managed locations at Taman Malihah, Matang Jaya Commercial Centre, Sentosa Town Square and Kota Padawan.

The remaining six sites are managed by the private sector and will be held at Emart Batu Kawa, Emart Matang, Prince Commercial Centre Batu Kitang, Lee Ling Commercial Centre, Swan Commercial Centre Matang and Kota Padawan.

Tan also thanked Central Coldstorage Kuching Sdn Bhd (CCK) for being the main sponsor and for sponsoring 300 caps and 300 aprons for traders.

Also present was CCK manager Voon Kui Fook.