Wan Junaidi presenting an apron to a trader at the Ramadan Bazaar while Chan and Lu (behind Chan) look on. — Photo by Muhammad Rais Sanusi
KUCHING: Traders at Ramadan bazaars are urged to maintain cleanliness and hygiene at all times especially when preparing food and beverages.
Deputy Home Minister Datuk Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said it is crucial that they give priority to hygienic practices as food can be easily contaminated.
“As we live in a tropical climate, food, particularly those that are high risk, can get contaminated easily which can lead to food poisoning.
“While the fasting month provides people, regardless of religion, the opportunity to set up business selling food and beverages at the bazaars, they must make sure that the items sold are halal and this also includes giving priority to food quality, cleanliness and hygiene to avoid serving contaminated food and drinks to customers,” he said when launching the Ramadan Bazaar at Stutong Community Market car park here yesterday.
Meanwhile, Wan Junaidi, who is also Santubong MP, reminded the community not to leave the responsibility of cleanliness entirely to local councils such as Kuching South City Council (MBKS).
“We must all be responsible in ensuring that the place we live in are clean at all times and not just rely on MBKS or other councils and enforcement to clean up after us,” he stressed.
The first day of the fasting month yesterday saw people from all walks of life visiting the Stutong market Ramadan Bazaar where 151 food and beverages stalls will be operating until July 27.
Among those present at the launch were MBKS mayor Datuk James Chan, deputy mayor Abang Affandi Abang Annuar and Temenggong Lu Kim Yong.