Kota Kinabalu: Traders and food operators at the Ramadan Bazaar are reminded to get typhoid shots to ensure food safety.
Mayor Datuk Seri Sabin Samitah said all food operators, particularly those operating in the Ramadan Bazaar under the supervision of the Dewan Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu (DBKK), must have typhoid immunisation.
This also applies to small traders that conduct business in front of or on the sidewalk.
“This vaccination injection is important to prevent typhoid infection or typhoid fever which is easily transmitted through food and beverages contaminated with Salmonella typhi bacteria.
“Every food operator must also keep the equipment used for food and beverage preparation clean, including cutting tools, aprons, and head coverings.
“In addition, the food sold must be fresh and always covered to prevent flies and dust,” he said when met at the Friendly Ride Bersama Toh Puan Programme here, recently.
The programme, which was organised by the DBKK in collaboration with Kota Kinabalu Puspanita, Pemadam, DBKK Design Club and DBKK Cycling Team to commemorate the DBKK’s 24th anniversary, drew 200 participants.
Toh Puan Norlidah RM Jasni, the Head of State’s consort, and Kota Kinabalu Puspanita Chairperson Datin Seri Adreen Aderizza Mohamad, led the cycling group over a 30km route.
The friendly ride was flagged off by DBKK Director General Junainah Abbie at Padang Merdeka at 7am.
Sabin added that DBKK, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, will inspect and sample food at 15 Ramadan bazaar sites.
“Six of them are under DBKK supervision, which ensures that every trader follows the rules.
“During the month of Ramadan this year, DBKK allows small traders, especially housewives, to sell in the area or on the pavements of their respective homes, but they must prioritise safety aspects such as not obstructing traffic flow and adhering to the typhoid injection requirements,” he said.
Norlidah also presented Yayasan Nur Jauhar’s financial aid to 120 people from the asnaf group during the event.
