KUCHING North City Hall has called on members of the public to act as its “eyes” in monitoring hygiene standards at Ramadan bazaars across the city, warning that it will take a firm stance against traders who fail to comply.
Datuk Bandar Datuk Hilmy Othman said cleanliness would remain the top priority throughout the fasting month, stressing that the local authority would not tolerate lapses that could jeopardise public health.
“I urge all traders to cooperate with DBKU in maintaining cleanliness.
“To visitors, please be our ‘eyes’ in observing whether traders are complying with hygiene standards.
“If any trader neglects cleanliness, report it immediately because our priority is the safety and health of the public,” he said.
He was speaking to reporters after officiating at the opening of the Satok Ramadan Bazaar, an event completed by Sarawak Deputy Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Ibrahim Baki yesterday.
Hilmy said the Ministry of Health Malaysia would also carry out routine inspections at Ramadan bazaars, including the periodic collection of food samples for laboratory analysis.
“The Ministry of Health will carry out its duties as usual by taking food samples regularly for analysis.
“They will identify whether there are cases of food poisoning or food that is unsafe for sale,” he said.
Beyond food safety enforcement, DBKU is also promoting responsible waste management at bazaar sites through the 3R principles of reduce, reuse and recycle.
Special 3R bins and compost bins have been placed at each Ramadan bazaar location under its supervision to encourage proper disposal of food waste and packaging.
Hilmy said the measures were intended to ensure that bazaar areas remain clean, orderly and comfortable throughout Ramadan.
This year, DBKU has approved 10 Ramadan bazaar permits involving 828 traders at key locations around the city.
The approved sites include Medan Niaga Satok Ramadan Bazaar, Metrocity Night Market site, Sukma Ria Ramadan Bazaar, Ceria Street Meditel site at Sarawak General Hospital, Metrocity Square, Mydin Bandar Baru Semariang and the Bandar Baru Semariang Night Market site.
The city authority said it would continue monitoring all locations to safeguard hygiene standards and maintain a safe environment for both traders and visitors during the festive period. - February 20, 2026
