MIRI: Food traders at Ramadan bazaars must comply with food safety regulations set by the Ministry of Health, said Deputy Health Minister, Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni.
During a walkabout at the Miri Ramadan Bazaar, coinciding with the launch of the 2025 Ramadan Bazaar Food Safety Campaign for state level, Lukanisman emphasised that all food vendors are required to follow strict hygiene protocols.
“We have conducted inspections, and I am informed that there are 113 registered stalls here while Miri has a total of 526 stalls.
“All food handlers have undergone food safety training and received typhoid vaccinations,” he said.
As part of the on-going monitoring efforts, health authorities have inspected 197 food premises in the city, issuing 97 fines under the Food Hygiene Regulations 2009.
“The violations include wearing excessive accessories, failing to tie hair properly, and using inappropriate aprons or attire while handling food,” Lukanisman explained.
To ensure public safety, vendors are required to wear aprons and gloves and follow proper food preparation guidelines.
Authorities are also running the ‘Smell, See, Taste’ campaign to educate consumers on identifying safe food before consumption.
A nationwide WhatsApp complaint hotline, 012-8484378, has been launched for consumers to report food safety concerns.
This initiative aims to provide a more efficient response compared to existing complaint channels.
So far, there have been no reported cases of food-borne illnesses linked to Ramadan bazaars in Sarawak.
“This indicates that traders are adhering to hygiene standards.
“However, our facilities remain on standby for any emergencies, and investigations will be conducted if any cases arise,” Lukanisman assured.
Health enforcement officers will continue daily patrols at bazaars nationwide to ensure compliance with food safety regulations.
Additionally, public health campaigns on smoking control laws will also be reinforced during the Ramadan period.
Meanwhile, authorities are strengthening regulations for home-based food businesses, particularly in ensuring hygiene standards and mandatory food safety training.
“While it is not yet compulsory, we strongly encourage all food handlers, including home-based vendors, to undergo proper food safety training to ensure public health is not compromised,” Lukanisman added.
