KUCHING: Assistant Public Health Minister Dr Jerip Susil yesterday suggested local authorities to consider some measure of hygiene in the Ramadan stalls, to prevent communicable diseases.

He said although the overall cleanliness of the Ramadan bazaar is satisfactory, strict practices of hygiene are important to prevent communicable diseases.

Dr Jerip noted that there were some stall owners who did not wear proper attire such as apron and cap.

“I have done a walkabout at the Ramadan bazaar and overall the cleanliness is satisfactory.

“However, there are some stall owners who do not wear proper attire such as apron and cap, and the food not covered, leaving it open,” he said in his SMS when contacted yesterday.

Meanwhile, a poll carried out by The Borneo Post on Ramadan bazaar on Tuesday received complaints that food and drinks were not covered, while many food handlers did not wear gloves.

The poll also received feedback from patrons of the bazaar, urging local councils and Health Department to be strict in ensuring that all operators abide by the strict standard of hygiene to ensure food and drinks are not recycled from the previous day.