Enforcement officers from the Sandakan Health Office inspecting a drink stall at the Bandar Sandakan Ramadan bazaar to ensure compliance with food safety regulations under Ops Bazaar Ramadan 2025.
KOTA KINABALU: Food safety standards at Ramadan bazaars in Sandakan have improved this year, with authorities reporting fewer hygiene violations during enforcement checks.
Only seven compound notices were issued from March 3 to 24 under Ops Bazaar Ramadan 2025, down from 14 during the same period last year.
“This is more than just a drop in numbers.
"It shows that our traders are becoming more responsible and taking food safety seriously,” Sandakan Health officer Dr Mohd Faiz Gahamat said in a statement on Monday (March 24).
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He said the improvement reflects growing awareness among food operators about the importance of hygiene, especially during Ramadan, when large crowds gather to break their fast at roadside stalls.
“People are feeding their families with food from these bazaars. They deserve to know that what they’re eating is safe. That trust is what we’re working to build,” he said.
He added that 19 authorised officers, comprising public health personnel, were deployed to monitor 279 food premises at five popular locations namely Bandar Sandakan, Batu 8, Taman Mawar, Bataras, and Sejati Walk.
The most common offence involved food handlers not wearing protective clothing such as aprons and closed shoes, in breach of Regulation 32(1)(b) of the Food Hygiene Regulations 2009.
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One employer was also found to have failed to keep updated records of typhoid vaccinations, which are compulsory for food handlers.
Despite the minor infractions, Dr Faiz said the overall improvement was encouraging and credited early engagement efforts with traders.
A joint briefing was held with the Sandakan Municipal Council on Feb 21 to remind traders of their responsibilities and the regulations they must comply with to protect consumer health.
“We’ve always said this isn’t just about enforcement. It’s also about education and support. When traders understand why these rules matter, they’re more likely to follow them,” he said.
Food handlers are required to maintain strict hygiene practices including keeping equipment clean before and after use, washing their hands frequently, and protecting food from contamination by pests like flies, rats and cockroaches.
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They must also ensure the food is cooked thoroughly, particularly meat, poultry, eggs and seafood, and stored at safe temperatures above 60°C before serving. Only clean water and fresh ingredients should be used, and expired food must never be sold.
“This isn’t about avoiding fines. It’s about preventing someone from falling seriously ill. One contaminated dish can do a lot of damage,” Dr Faiz stressed.
He urged the public to report any contaminated or suspicious food sold at bazaars directly to the Sandakan Health Office, saying that swift action could help stop a potential outbreak in its tracks.
“Your reports help us respond faster. Every complaint is a chance for us to make the system better and safer,” he added.
Dr Faiz also reminded all traders to maintain the cleanliness of their stalls, including ensuring proper water supply, electricity, and same-day waste collection.
“At the end of the day, a clean, well-run bazaar brings customers back. It’s good for business, good for the community, and good for everyone’s health,” he said.
