TB: No Additional SOP For Johor Ramadan Bazaar Traders, Visitors - Exco
PONTIAN, Feb 24 (Bernama) -- The Johor State Health Department (JKNJ) has not mandated any additional standard operating procedures (SOPs) for visitors and traders at Ramadan bazaars despite the reported cases of Tuberculosis (TB) in the state.
Johor Health and Environment Committee chairman Ling Tian Soon said that the situation remains under control, noting that the department already has clear existing protocols for managing the transmission of the disease.
"However, those who feel uneasy or unwell are encouraged to wear face masks," he told a press conference after visiting the Pontian Mini Stadium Ramadan Bazaar here today.
He said this when commenting on whether specific TB-related SOPs would be enforced at bazaar sites.
The Ministry of Health (MOH), in a statement three days ago, reported that 3,161 TB cases were detected nationwide up to the sixth epidemiological week of this year (ME 6/2026), with Johor recording 280 cases.
Regarding a viral social media post showing a trader at a Johor Bahru bazaar allegedly placing business equipment in a drain, Ling said JKNJ has yet to receive an official complaint.
He advised the public to lodge official reports with the department rather than merely sharing incidents on social media to ensure immediate enforcement action can be taken.
Meanwhile, Ling said that 98 per cent of the 808 Ramadan bazaar stalls inspected in Johor as of last Saturday demonstrated a high level of hygiene compliance, adding that to date, only one official complaint has been received involving a bazaar in Ulu Tiram.
"The matter is under investigation. If there is a breach of the Food Hygiene Regulations 2009, JKNJ will take appropriate action, including issuing compounds or ordering a closure of more than 14 days," he said.
He added that 1,963 food handlers have been inspected, with 1,929 receiving ongoing health education.
Ling said monitoring at supermarkets also led to the seizure of 846 food products worth RM1,258 for offences such as selling expired items, dented cans and damaged packaging.
-- BERNAMA
