Bazaars' food safety is under spotlight in Malaysia

Malaysia Food Bazaar

During this time of the year, Malaysians get to enjoy a wide array of local food and snacks, available only during the fasting month of Ramadan.

While bazaars are popular hotspots, it is also a hotbed for all kinds of food-borne diseases.

Health authorities are warning people to be extra careful.

This year, one girl has already died and hundreds of others fell sick after eating contaminated food from bazaars.

However, despite the spike in the number of food poisoning cases, popular Ramadan bazaars are still as busy as ever. Malaysians just cannot resist the temptation of good food, especially with so many great choices, with some only items available during the fasting month of Ramadan.

For example, over a hundred varieties of local snacks are on sale everyday in makeshift stalls outside the Bangsar mosque.

These traders are issued special permits during the holy fasting month of Ramadan.

They sell all kinds of local fare from desserts to snacks, including items like otak otak or spicy fish cake.

But just how safe is it to eat?

An 11-year-old girl recently died after eating food bought from a Ramadan bazaar.

It raised the question of hygiene, and whether food will spoil when kept for too long in hot, humid conditions.

Still, the incident has left many undeterred.

One person said: "They have lots of food you can choose from, kuih...which you do not see on normal days. So far, I am ok, no stomach ache. ''

Another noted: "I do not think this is just restricted to Ramadan bazaars, it is about food overall in Malaysia, even restaurants.''

Consumers hope the local health authorities will step up checks at bazaars to monitor cleanliness, as well as food handling at stalls.

But some traders are up in arms over the issue.

One of them said: "They (consumers) already have pre-existing health problems. It is not just the food. Also, people tend to overeat when breaking fast, that is how they get sick. This is the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, how can the food be not clean? The drinks, the chicken, fish, noodles, everything is clean.''

Meanwhile, locals have some tips to avoid food poisoning.

One local said: "If I see rats around, I won't go to those places and buy.''

Another advised: "Buy food that is freshly made here, grilled here, not packed and cooked elsewhere."

A third suggested: "Keep going back to stalls you are familiar with."

But without strict enforcement by authorities, the best advice may still be caveat emptor or "Let the buyer beware".