KOTA KINABALU – Sabah health director Datuk Dr Rosenani Mudin has urged bazaar operators to be extra cautious when handling foods in view of the water shortage in the city.
She said the lack of treated water supply will hamper operators’ efforts to maintain a high quality of cleanliness in food preparation.
“Basically it will affect the food handlers when they need to wash their hands and pots.
“I think they must prepare earlier before they come to the bazaar. They have to look after the hygiene and safety of the food they served,” she told reporters after doing a walkabout at the Ramadan bazaar in Lintasan Deasoka here today.
Water supply in many parts of the city, especially in Sepanggar, is being rationed or disrupted.
The problem has existed in Sepanggar since two years ago and is affecting the daily routines of its residents, especially when it comes to cooking, cleaning and washing.
On another development, Dr Rosenani said daily inspection of local bazaars statewide in the fasting month has started since March 27.
She said a total of 21 notices have been issued after enforcement officers conduct inspections in 277 stalls in five major districts – Kota Kinabalu, Papar, Kudat and Tawau.
“The notices are mostly warnings and involve food handlers not abiding by the regulations such as not wearing an apron, using gloves or food tongs when handling food, and grooming themselves well,” said Rosenani, adding that investigation papers are also opened in some cases under the Food Act 1983.
Rosenani also unveiled a QR code through which bazaar visitors can lodge complaints over the quality of food served by operators. – The Vibes, March 28, 2023
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