Azmi (left) asking food delivery rider Haikal Shahdan if he has taken his typhoid shot, at Bandar Baru Klang. — CHAN TAK KONG/The Star
TYPHOID vaccinations are mandatory for all food handlers, Klang Royal City Council (MBDK) Health Department director Azmi Muji says.
He said it was mandated by Health Ministry.
“We are seeing a rise in food delivery riders and home-based food businesses.
“Our health inspectors will carry out random inspections on all home-based food businesses and food delivery riders,” he said.
He added that the mandatory inspections were to ensure public health and safety.
Azmi said typhoid symptoms would usually manifest within a week or two of infection.
“The symptoms are stomach pain, fever and diarrhoea.
“In the case of a severe infection, it can cause gastrointestinal bleeding and even death.
“So, it is important to get vaccinated to avoid getting this disease,” he added.
Azmi said inspections would be carried out under the Food Handlers MPK Bylaw 2007, which stipulate that typhoid vaccinations are compulsory and failure to get vaccinated is a compoundable offence of up to RM1,000.
“We also have riders coming from outside the Klang district to deliver food and beverages.
“It is crucial that all who handle food get their typhoid vaccinations,” he stressed.
Azmi further said it was the responsibility of home-based food businesses and riders to prevent transmission of the disease.
“Online food delivery services connect consumers with various food providers.
“Prevention is important as typhoid fever is contagious, so a high level of hygiene and safe handling of food and beverages is crucial,” he said.
Typhoid, a life-threatening infection caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhimurium, is spread through contaminated food or water.
It also spreads between individuals by direct contact, often due to failure to thoroughly wash hands after lavatory use.
Typhoid vaccinations are taken every three years.
