MBJB cracks down on traders flouting rules

JOHOR Baru City Council (MBJB) is taking stern action against errant Ramadan bazaar traders for failing to adhere to health, safety and cleanliness guidelines.

It has so far issued 31 compounds and seized wares of those traders as part of its enforcement action during the fasting month.

Johor Baru mayor Datuk Mohd Noorazam Osman said the city council approved 30 bazaar locations throughout its jurisdiction.

Of these approved locations, 1,932 bazaar lots are under private bodies, while 1,162 lots are under Yayasan Bandaraya Johor Baru and welfare associations.

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“Generally, MBJB is satisfied with the organisation of this year’s Ramadan bazaars but we did find some traders who failed to comply with our guidelines,” he told StarMetro.

He said traders were responsible for taking care of cleanliness at the bazaar sites and were not allowed to leave their belongings at the location after business hours.

He stressed that food operators must also have their typhoid shots.

Mohd Noorazam said the guidelines were imposed by MBJB to ensure food safety at the bazaars.

“Until Sunday, we found 34 food stall traders in 18 bazaar locations who had not received their typhoid shots.

“We have issued 31 compounds, of more than RM7,750, under Section 20(1)(ii) of MBJB Hawkers By-laws 2010,” he said.

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Mohd Noorazam also said MBJB had seized the wares of 32 local stall operators for operating without a licence while another 32 operators had items seized for leaving them in public areas after hours.

“The city council also seized 34 stalls operated by foreigners.

“We have made it very clear that foreigners are not allowed to have stalls at these bazaars.

“Our enforcement team will continue to monitor all bazaars to make sure the traders abide by MBJB guidelines,” he said.

On the big crowd of Singaporeans going to bazaars in MBJB areas, Mohd Noorazam said this was good for the traders and local economy.

“This shows that the bazaars around Johor Baru not only attract locals but also people from across the Causeway.”