Kedah health authorities issued 112 compounds worth RM14,000 at Ramadan bazaars for hygiene violations, noting improved compliance among food handlers.

ALOR SETAR: The Kedah state health department has issued 112 compounds totalling RM14,000 following inspections at Ramadan bazaars across the state.

State Housing, Local Government and Health Committee chairman Major (Rtd) Mansor Zakaria said the operation involved checks at 80 bazaar sites to ensure food safety compliance.

He said inspections found 3% of food handlers lacked anti-typhoid vaccinations, while 10% had not attended mandatory food handler training.

“The number shows an increase in the level of compliance among food handlers compared to last year,” he said.

Last year, 10% of handlers lacked anti-typhoid injections and 15% had missed training, leading to 185 compounds worth RM21,750.

Mansor spoke after officiating the Kedah Towards Food Poisoning-Free Kick-off programme at the Darul Aman Stadium Ramadan Bazaar.

He said 6,768 stalls are operating at 80 sites this year, down from 7,240 stalls at 87 sites last year.

Laboratory analysis of 123 food samples in 2025 found 22 violated standards due to microbiological contamination.

“The public is advised to practise the ‘Watch and Choose’ concept when buying food,” he said.

He also recommended using the ‘Look, Smell and Taste’ method before consuming food to avoid poisoning.

The state government aims to be food poisoning-free by 2030 through cooperation from all parties.

This includes traders, consumers and enforcement agencies working together.

 The Sun Malaysia