Following the increase in food poisoning cases nationwide, the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) recently expressed concern.
In a statement, MMA president Dr Azizan Abdul Aziz said, “We are deeply saddened that young children were affected in many of these cases. These reports clearly show that insufficient attention is being given to hygiene and food handling.”
“This is one particular area we are most concerned about. Our local cuisine is ranked among the best in the world, but the same can’t be said about our standards of food hygiene, especially in our street food outlets,” she said.
She said it is common to see no separation in the handling of food and money.
“In many outlets, food is being prepared in unhygienic conditions while many food stalls and caterers are known to be operating illegally. What are the authorities doing about it?”
“Occasionally, the authorities close a restaurant, and the owner is fined, but we see no improvement. Everyone closes one eye and carries on,” she said.
Although Azizan said it might seem cruel to stop single parents from making a living, we should insist that anyone selling food be licensed to do so. Meanwhile, she said, all vendors must be educated in food hygiene standards.
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Also read: WATCH: M’sian Shockingly Finds Maggots in His Meal at KL Restaurant
