File photo of Health Department staff manning their station at a Ramadan Bazaar.
SIBU: The Health Department will be checking and taking samples of food and drinks at Ramadan bazaars across the state, says Sarawak health director Datu Dr Zulkifli Jantan.
“Health Department staff and local council will carry out spot checks periodically,” Dr Zulkifli told The Borneo Post yesterday.
He reminded traders to cover their food to keep out flies and not to sell leftovers but only freshly cooked food. Dr Zulkifli urged traders to practice good hygiene and cleanliness in food preparation and handling at all times. He warned that stalls found to be selling unclean food can be asked to close.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Bumiputera Hawkers and Petty Traders Association Sibu unit chairman Mohamad Safree Mohamad, said traders at Ramadan Bazaar in Sibu Town Square Phase 2, have been briefed on food hygiene and preparation.
According to Mohamad Safree, traders had attended the food preparation and handling course recently. He pointed out that the preparatory course was mandatory for those operators trading at the Ramadan Bazaar.
“They are to ensure good hygiene and cleanliness in food handling and preparations besides display price tags.”
Mohamad said food lovers will be spoilt for choice with so many stalls parading a wide variety of local delicacies.
He added that the bazaar is also an ideal avenue to foster racial harmony. He also revealed that there is a competition to pick the best decorated and cleanest stall.
This year, the month long event here, starting today till July 4 is organised by the Pro-tem Committee of Ramadan Bazaar, Phase 2 in collaboration with Sarawak Bumiputera Hawkers and Petty Traders Association Sibu unit.