GEORGE TOWN: Ramadan bazaar traders in Penang have been donating unsold items to those in need to prevent food waste.
Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jason H'ng Mooi Lye said this was more meaningful than traders discarding the unsold food.
"Not only the traders, but the organisers of the Ramadan bazaars in the state are also very attentive to this matter and always ensure that food or drinks are not wasted at their stalls.
"If there are any leftovers or unsold items, some will be donated to those in need, including mosques, surau, and other places," he said when contacted by Bernama on Monday (March 17).
He added that based on monitoring by the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP), the cleanliness level at the Ramadan bazaars was also found to be satisfactory.
H'ng said that several other agencies, including the Penang Health Department, have also been monitoring the Ramadan bazaars to ensure that traders comply with the regulations and cleanliness standards that have been set.
He added that both Local Authorities (PBTs) place significant emphasis on the issue of foreign nationals trading at the Ramadan bazaars, as this matter has been clearly outlined in the offer letters to traders.
"Throughout this fasting month, there are 100 Ramadan bazaars with 4,574 traders selling various food and beverage. So far, we have taken action against two stalls operated by foreign traders," he said.
Meanwhile, Penang Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living director, S. Jegan, said that overall inspections at Ramadan bazaars in the state over the past two weeks found that traders are displaying prices clearly and reasonably.
"Over the past two weeks, we have only received three complaints across Penang, and one of them has led to a case under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011, while the other two are still under investigation," he said. - Bernama
