By Azian Aziz
SELAYANG, April 1 — The Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) continues its efforts to educate hawkers and food operators about the compulsory use of face masks throughout the first week of Ramadan.
Its Deputy President Adi Faizal Ahmad Tarmizi the response and compliance rate thus far has been satisfactory, particularly among food traders at pasar malam and Ramadan bazaars.
"We have already made it mandatory on the MPS level, and it is the duty of food operators to wear face masks so as to ensure cleanliness. Yet there are still those who do not comply, usually those who are operating solo.
"Nonetheless, such individuals are few and far in between," he said during a press conference following the council's third monthly meeting for 2023, yesterday.
Adi Faizal added that MPS is carrying out continuous inspections and issuing warnings to first-time offenders, in order to ensure the state government's instructions are adhered to.
The council will issue a notice or compound for the second offence, and recalcitrant individuals will be prohibited from doing business for a certain period of time until the rule is complied with.
Beginning on January 1, the state government issued a directive mandating that restaurant operators and food providers wear face masks, as part of the effort to improve the cleanliness level in food handling.
The move is also aimed at boosting customers' confidence, and to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and food poisoning.
