Penang: Ramadan bazaar traders in Penang have been donating unsold items to those in need to prevent food waste. Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jason H’ng Mooi Lye stated that this initiative is more meaningful than discarding the unsold food.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the organisers of the Ramadan bazaars in the state are attentive to this issue, ensuring that food or drinks are not wasted at their stalls. Leftovers or unsold items are donated to those in need, including mosques and surau. Monitoring by the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) has found the cleanliness level at the Ramadan bazaars to be satisfactory.

H’ng mentioned that several agencies, including the Penang Health Department, are monitoring the bazaars to ensure compliance with regulations and cleanliness standards. He highlighted that both Local Authorities (PBTs) emphasize the issue of foreign nationals trading at the bazaars, which is outlined in traders’ offer letters. He noted that 100 Ramadan bazaars with 4,574 traders are operating, and actions have been taken against two stalls run by foreign traders.

Meanwhile, Penang Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) director, S. Jegan, reported that inspections over the past two weeks show traders displaying prices clearly and reasonably. KPDN received three complaints, one leading to a case under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011, with the other two complaints still under investigation.