KUCHING: Cleanliness and food safety must remain the top priority for Ramadan bazaars across Sarawak.
Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, said bazaar organisers statewide should learn from the management approach adopted by Kuching South City Council (MBKS), particularly in maintaining high standards of hygiene and food safety.
He stressed that all food preparations must strictly comply with standard operating procedures (SOPs), adding that monitoring measures, including random food sampling, are conducted to ensure food sold at the bazaar meets cleanliness and safety standards.
“That is always number one. Make sure all food preparations follow the SOP as best as possible. Monitoring and random sampling are important to ensure the food sold is clean and safe,” he said after officiating the opening of the Ramadan Bazaar Stutong at the Stutong Community Market here today.
On secondary considerations, Hazland said pricing and food quality should also be given due attention after hygiene and safety.
He noted that food sold must be reasonably priced and affordable to the public, while maintaining good taste and quality.
“If the food only looks good but does not taste good or changes in quality after being brought home, buyers may not return the following year,” he said.
He also highlighted the importance of having a strategic and user-friendly location, including ample parking space and a spacious layout to ensure comfort for visitors.
On rental rates, he pointed out that the Ramadan Bazaar Stutong offers one of the lowest rental fees at approximately RM250 per month, compared to RM400 or even over RM1,000 at some other locations.
The affordable rental, he said, helps traders manage their operating costs and keep food prices reasonable.
Dr Hazland further revealed that more than 300 applications were received for the bazaar, but only 160 stalls were available, indicating strong interest and potential for future expansion.
He also described the Stutong bazaar as unique due to its multi-racial participation, with traders comprising Malays, Chinese, Dayaks and other communities, making it distinct from many other Ramadan bazaars in the state.
Also present were MBKS Mayor, Datuk Wee Hong Seng, and other distinguished guests.
