Johor Ramadan Bazaars Vendors Warned Over Use Of Staples In Food Packaging

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Johor State Health and Environment Committee chairman, Ling Tian Soon confirmed the discovery of staples during inspections by the Johor Health Department (JKNJ) at the bazaars. — FILE PICJOHOR BARU: Food vendors at Ramadan bazaars in Johor have been found using staples in the preparation and sale of traditional snacks, such as tepung pelita and pulut panggang, raising concerns among authorities due to the potential danger it poses to public safety.
Ling Tian Soon, chairman of the Johor State Health and Environment Committee, confirmed the discovery of staples during inspections by the Johor Health Department (JKNJ) at the bazaars.
In 2022, the Ministry of Health (MOH) issued a warning about the dangers of using materials like pins and staples to wrap food, stressing the risk of serious injury if ingested.
Under Regulation 36 of the Food Hygiene Regulations 2009, food handlers must ensure packaging is free from contaminants, including dangerous items like pins and staples.
Vendors found using such materials could face prosecution, with penalties including fines of up to RM10,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both.
During the month of Ramadan, temporary food stalls are set up across the country, offering a variety of snacks and dishes such as grilled fish and lamb.
These stalls attract thousands of people preparing to break their fast after sunset during this holy month.
Meanwhile, Ling said 1,240 food premises at the state's Ramadan bazaars have been inspected since last Sunday.
However, only one compound notice (32B) was issued during the inspections for failing to comply with the Food Hygiene Regulations (PPKM) 2009, with a fine of RM100, he said.
"Out of the 1,240 food premises inspected, all maintained a hygiene level of over 80%, and so far, no premises have been ordered to close," Ling was quoted as saying by Metro.
Authorities will also continue to monitor food at Ramadan markets by testing high-risk foods for harmful bacteria or contamination, he said.
"If test results indicate non-compliance with the Food Regulations 1985, legal action will be taken against the food operators involved," he said.
Ling made these remarks during a press conference after visiting the Ramadan bazaar at Angsana Mall Johor Bahru on the evening of yesterday. - NST

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