Two traders operating at Ramadan bazaars in Terengganu were fined by the Magistrate’s Court for separate offences involving breaches of food hygiene and safety regulations.

In the first case, a 24-year-old food vendor was fined RM300 after pleading guilty to failing to comply with mandatory food handling attire requirements.

Magistrate Nur Athirah Hashim imposed the fine on Shahrul Iskandar Shamsulyuzi after he admitted to handling food at his stall while wearing slippers instead of proper footwear.

According to the charge, the offence was committed at his stall at the Kuala Ping Ramadan Bazaar in Terengganu at about 4.45 pm on March 5, 2025.

He was charged under Regulation 32(1)(b) of the Food Hygiene Regulations 2009, which falls under the Food Act 1983. The regulation provides for a maximum fine of RM1,000 upon conviction.

Under the Food Hygiene Regulations 2009, food handlers are required to wear clean and appropriate attire that does not contribute to contamination. This includes light-coloured clean clothing, a light-coloured apron, a head covering and closed shoes. Slippers are strictly prohibited for food handlers.

In a separate case, another trader was fined RM2,000 for selling food containing an unauthorised sweetener.

Shamsulyuzi Abdul Latiff Teo, 47, pleaded guilty to selling ‘baby pineapple’ found to contain cyclamate, a non-permitted sweetening substance.

Laboratory analysis revealed that the product contained 255 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) of cyclamate.

The offence was committed at his colek stall at the Kuala Berang Ramadan Bazaar in Terengganu at about 4.45 pm on March 19, 2025.

He was charged under Regulation 133(3) of the Food Regulations 1985.

The cases underscore continued enforcement efforts by authorities to ensure compliance with food safety and hygiene standards at Ramadan bazaars across Terengganu, particularly during the fasting month when demand for prepared food rises.

-THE MALAYSIA VOICE