BY NEVILLE TIMOTHY SANDERS & GILLIAN NESSLYN
KUCHING: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor, Datuk Wee Hong Seng, has stated that food vendors in the city are already subjected to dress codes as regulated in existing laws.
He said this in response to the several heated public discussions that arose following a viral video about food vendors and their dressing codes.
Wee said that appropriate attire by food handlers is important in ensuring food safety and hygiene, in line with Regulation 32 under the Food Hygiene Regulations 2009.
“This regulation clearly outlines the appropriate manner of dressing for food handlers to ensure that their attire does not pose a risk of food contamination,” he told Sarawak Tribune.
He added that wearing a light-coloured apron, head covering and suitable footwear is also mandatory for all food handlers licensed under the MBKS.
“Action would be taken against vendors who failed to comply with the dress code.
“They will be given notices to comply with the prescribed attire. MBKS also ensures that all hawkers attend food handling courses and have received typhoid vaccinations,” he added.
Commenting on the trend in attire among vendors, he stated that no significant changes had been detected.
“Most vendors in Kuching opt for simple and light clothing to suit the hot and humid climate throughout the year.
“And the appearance of vendors directly affects the overall image of the hawker centre and market.
“A neat and clean appearance not only complies with health standards, but also increases customer confidence and reflects professionalism,” he said.
When asked if MBKS plans to introduce specific uniforms, he explained that although not mandatory, the wearing of aprons, head coverings and closed shoes is encouraged and is enshrined in health laws.
However, challenges in enforcement remain and the language in the regulations is sometimes general, and this has led to various interpretations of what is considered appropriate.
“Therefore, MBKS has set a clear condition in the licence that operators must wear aprons and head coverings,” he said.
However, Wee also stated that constructive public feedback is always welcome in efforts to improve the existing guidelines.
“We are always open to the views of the public and will consider them if there is a need for policy improvements in the future,” he asserted.
