PETALING JAYA: A total of 1,639 compound notices were issued to Ramadan bazaar food stall operators by health enforcement officers nationwide as of Friday.
The total value of the compounds, issued under Section 32B of the Food Act 1983, came to RM163,900, the Health Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday (April 9).
It said operations were conducted by the respective state Health Departments at 1,299 bazaars nationwide since the start of Ramadan on March 12.
Cleanliness and food safety operations were conducted to ensure that the food prepared and sold at bazaars was safe and compliant with health regulations.
A total of 43,304 stalls and premises were inspected with three eateries ordered for closure, it added.
As of Friday, the ministry said it had completed investigations into 20 out of 29 complaints received about food sold at bazaars, with nine more probes still ongoing.
“Consumers are advised to prioritise food safety during Ramadan by ensuring clean and hygienic food and premises,” the ministry added.
IT also advised stall operators to maintain clean handling practices and personal hygiene before preparing food.
Consumers with questions about food safety may visit the Food Safety and Quality Programme Facebook page at www.facebook.com/bkkmhq, or go to http://moh.spab.gov.my.