Dr Annuar tries out his cooking skills while Mohamad Safree (second left), Ibrahim (right) and others look on at the Ramadan bazaar in An-Nur Mosque, Sibu.
SIBU: Vendors at Ramadan bazaars here are advised to cover their food to keep out flies. UK-trained medical specialist Dr Annuar Rapaee cautioned that flies might deposit germs and bacteria on food and contaminate them.
“Food vendors need to cover their food so that flies cannot land on it. They also need to ensure their rubbish are properly disposed of to keep out flies,” Dr Annuar, who is a cardiologist and Nangka assemblyman, told reporters after officiating at the Ramadan bazaar in An-Nur Mosque here on Saturday afternoon.
The bazaar held for the first time at the mosque comprised more than 30 stalls selling all kinds of local delicacies and other products.
It was organised by the mosque committee in collaboration with Saberkas Nangka branch, Persatuan Pemuda Sibu (PPS), Kelab Perintis Usahawan Sibu, Sibu Bumiputera Graduates Association (PGBS) and KRT Kampung Datu/Hilir. Dr Annuar also dwelled on the importance of cleanliness and hygiene in food handling and preparation.
“Vendors need to give top priority to cleanliness and hygiene or else people would shy away. What we are worried about is food poisoning might happen if good standard of hygiene and cleanliness in food preparation and handling is not observed,” he advised operators. He was made to understand that personnel from the Health Department would carry out spot checks on Ramadan bazaars here.
“But the onus is still on food vendors to practise a good standard of cleanliness and hygiene in food preparation and handling,” Dr Annuar reiterated.
On the Ramadan bazaar at the mosque, he believed its popularity would pick up after June 27 when a big gathering is held there with Datuk Ustaz Kazim Elias.
“With that, I am sure a lot of people will come to this place,” he enthused. Meanwhile, organising chairman Mohamad Safree Mohamad, who is also Saberkas branch secretary, was pleased to note the active participation of youths in operating Ramadan stalls.
“This will certainly expose them to the world of business and commerce and sharpen their skills,” Mohamad Safree said.
He appreciated the participation of the various NGOs in making the event a success. Among those present was councillor Ibrahim Laili.