Health Ministry: Two food poisoning cases recorded from Ramadan bazaars, nearly RM200,000 in fines issued nationwide

KUALA LUMPUR, April 20 — The Ministry of Health (MoH) said today it received two reports of food poisoning incidents that occurred in Ramadan bazaars so far as of last week.

It said the two incidents were caused by food that was purchased in the Asia City Ramadan bazaar in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah and UiTM Ramadan bazaar in Segamat, Johor.

“Four compound notices for the offence of not complying with operator clothing food under the Food Hygiene Regulations 2009 have been issued to traders at the UiTM Ramadan bazaar.

“It has also been ordered to close under the Prevention and Control Act Infectious Diseases 1988,” said the MoH in a statement here.

In addition, MoH said it received a total of 17 food complaints involving Ramadan bazaars throughout the country with 15 of those investigated while two are still under investigation.

These incidents came to light when MoH through the Safety and Quality Division Food carried out hygiene and food safety operations at the Ramadan Bazaar for the period March 23 to April 16.

A total of 640 Ramadan bazaars nationwide were visited and a total of 51,849 premises were inspected to ensure that food prepared and sold is safe and complies with the requirements of the Food Act 1983, Regulations Food 1985 and Food Hygiene Regulations 2009.

Following that, the MoH has ordered 14 food premises to close under Section 11 of the Food Act 1983 and 2,188 Notices under Section 32B of the same law have been issued.

“An estimated compound value of RM197,600 was issued to premises owners, premises representatives and food operators for various types of offences such as no food handler training, no anti-typhoid injection and food handler clothing,” said the MoH.

The Food Act 1983 ensures that the public is protected from health hazards and fraud in the preparation, sale and use of foods and for matters related to it.

In conjunction with Aidilfitri season, MoH urged the public to use their five senses before eating any food to avoid food poisoning and practice personal hygiene when preparing food.

Yesterday, Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said the public is advised to use face masks, umbrellas and hats to avoid direct exposure to the hot weather and haze currently affecting the country during the festive Aidilfitri season.