Putting food safety first: Enforcement officers from the Sandakan Health Office inspecting a drinks stall at the Bandar Sandakan Ramadan bazaar to ensure compliance with food safety regulations.
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,” said district health officer Dr Mohd Faiz Gahamat yesterday.
He said the improvement reflected growing awareness among food operators on 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 want to build,” he said.
The most common offence involved food handlers not wearing protective clothing such as aprons and closed shoes.
One trader was found to have failed to keep updated records of typhoid vaccinations, which are compulsory for food handlers.
Despite the minor infractions, Dr Mohd Faiz said the overall improvement was encouraging and credited early engagement efforts with traders.
“We have always said this isn’t just about enforcement. It is 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 hands frequently and protecting food from contamination by pests like flies, rats and cockroaches.
They must also ensure 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.
Dr Mohd Faiz urged the public to report any contaminated or suspicious food sold at bazaars to the Sandakan health office, saying that swift action could help stop a potential health outbreak.
