Despite the increased number of tuberculosis (TB) cases, the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Ramadan bazaars in Johor remained unchanged from previous years, with no additional conditions imposed.
Ling Tian Soon, chairman of the State Health and Environment Committee, stated that there are currently no new SOPs in place, such as mandatory face mask requirements for bazaar traders and food handlers.
“However, traders and food handlers at Ramadan bazaars in every district are required to receive typhoid vaccinations and attend food handling courses before being allowed to operate.
“The Johor State Health Department (JKNJ) will not hesitate to take action against any party that fails to comply with the existing SOPs,” he told reporters after attending a Chinese New Year programme for the Ayer Hitam parliamentary constituency and the Yong Peng state constituency.
He also stated that JKNJ enforcement personnel would conduct continuous monitoring at each Ramadan bazaar to ensure traders followed regulations, particularly those relating to hygiene and food safety.
Visitors to the bazaars were also advised to take preventive measures on a regular basis to reduce their risk of infection.
