Fined for hiring foreign helpers
DBKL issues compounds to six Ramadan bazaar traders for contravening by-law

SIX traders at Ramadan bazaars in Kuala Lumpur were issued compounds for employing non-Malaysians as assistants, without the necessary approvals.

The compounds were issued by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) following inspections at three bazaars – Jalan Radin, Jalan Desa Jaya and Jalan Impian Indah.

“Based on our checks, enforcement action was taken against licence holders for employing foreign helpers at the stalls.

“DBKL also inspected if traders had valid business licences and checked on the traffic situation at these bazaar locations,” DBKL said in a statement.

It also said cleanliness and food handling were looked into during the inspections.

Action was taken under Licensing of Hawkers (WPKL) By-laws 2016, where by-law 14 states that no licensee shall employ any foreign persons.

Anyone who contravenes any provision of these by-laws commits an offence and shall, upon conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding RM2,000 or to imprisonment not exceeding one year or to both, and in the case of a continuing offence, to a fine not exceeding RM200 for each day during which the offence is continued after conviction.

“DBKL reminds all licence holders to always comply with the conditions set by the authorities.

“Traders, especially those handling food and beverages, must ensure a high level of cleanliness throughout the duration of the Ramadan bazaar,” DBKL said, adding that monitoring and enforcement would continue periodically in the 11 parliamentary constituencies of Kuala Lumpur.

Food samples collected from the bazaars are tested for various microbes at DBKL’s Food Security and Analysis Centre.

DBKL said it was also carrying out random food safety tests on samples collected from Ramadan bazaars.

“Based on Kuala Lumpur Health Department’s enotification, 43 cases of food poisoning were reported in 2022 and 62 cases in 2023, stemming from Ramadan bazaars in the city.

“Sampling is conducted to monitor the cleanliness and safety of food sold to the public,” it added.

During a check at the bazaar in Taman Tasik Permaisuri, 115 samples were collected and sent to DBKL’s Food Security and Analysis Centre for testing.

The samples are inspected for the presence of salmonella typhi, E. coli and coliform bacteria.

“If violations take place or contamination occurs, fines or compounds will be imposed on traders,” it said.

This year, DBKL said there were some 64 Ramadan bazaar locations throughout the city.

Of these, two are under DBKL’s management, which are the Aidilfitri Bazaar at Lorong Tuanku Abdul Rahman (216 lots) and Ramadan Bazaar at Taman Tasik Permaisuri (160 lots).

Some 4,060 lots at the other 62 locations are managed by private operators.

“DBKL can take immediate action by issuing compounds to traders who fail to adhere to the terms of their licences.

“Besides compounds, traders’ security deposits can also be forfeited.”

The bazaars are expected to operate until April 9.
dbkl,bazaar,checks,food safety,ramadan
SIX traders at Ramadan bazaars in Kuala Lumpur were issued compounds for employing non-Malaysians as assistants, without the necessary approvals.