Ramadan hawkers cautioned on stale food

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MIRI: The Hawkers Association of Pasar Malam’s Ramadan bazaar at the Saberkas Commercial Centre will not compromise with those who sell stale food or unsold food from the previous day.

Its chairman, Abdul Rahman Jawawi, said the association would have no qualms in reporting these errant traders to Miri City Council (MCC) and Miri Health Department.

“We will not hesitate in taking further action as such a matter pertains to food safety and hygiene. We did hold a meeting before the fasting month began, and we gave a strong emphasis on the need for hawkers to maintain food quality,” he said when contacted yesterday.

He was asked to comment on a claim by a couple who found a barbecued chicken thigh they purchased from a stall at Saberkas’ Ramadan bazaar on Friday to be raw inside and had a putrid smell.

Abdul Rahman said he had read the news report that was published by thesundaypost, and he had requested the Health Department to investigate.

Meanwhile, he said on the first day of the Ramadan bazaar, the Health Department had confirm that the food and drinks sold were safe and clean for consumption.

“We are working closely with Miri City Council (MCC) and the Health Department to ensure food and drinks sold at the bazaar are clean and safe at all times, especially at barbeque stalls.”

He said thus far the association had yet to receive any complaint from those who patronise the Ramadan bazaar.

“I urge those who had bought spoilt food or drinks to alert us to enable us to take action, including getting compensation.”

There are 101 hawkers who are registered with the association selling all sorts of food and drinks at the Ramadan bazaar.