‘Vaccinate or face action’

FIFTY food handlers in Damansara Damai and Section 17, Petaling Jaya, received a warning from Petaling Jaya City Council’s (MBPJ) Health Department for not being vaccinated against typhoid, a serious illness that affects the digestive system.

Typhoid, if not treated promptly, can cause fever and lead to severe complications, and even death.

During a spot check in the two areas on Monday evening, MBPJ’s environmental health officer Marini Mohammad found that 47 foreign workers and three Malaysians had not been vaccinated.

According to the Food Handlers Bylaw 1979, typhoid vaccination is mandatory every three years for food handlers.

“Our department will not tolerate such a careless attitude among food handlers,” said Marini.

“It is essential to be vaccinated against typhoid.

“Food handlers, especially restaurant owners, hawkers, canteen operators, stall owners, and their workers who handle food must get the typhoid vaccine,” she emphasized.

Most of those found unvaccinated claimed that they were unaware of the requirement, Marini added.

As people’s health is at risk, the department immediately administered the typhoid vaccine to all 50 individuals who had violated the health regulation.

“We brought a medical assistant and a nurse from MBPJ’s clinic to administer the vaccine,” she explained.

This new approach aims to encourage compliance, according to Marini.

“We could issue a RM250 fine for each food handler, but our goal is to get them vaccinated and protect people’s health,” she stated.

The vaccination cost RM60 for Malaysians and RM80 for foreigners, as charged by the MBPJ.

In addition, Marini cautioned eatery owners who had not provided their food handlers with disposable gloves, aprons, and hairnets or caps when handling or serving food to customers.

She warned that if the level of hygiene was not satisfactory during the city council’s inspection next week, the premises would be ordered to close.

In Petaling Jaya, there were no cases of typhoid fever reported from January to December the previous year and between January and August this year.

Marini explained that typhoid fever spreads when people consume food or water contaminated by the feces or urine of an infected person.

“We have also instructed food outlets to maintain cleanliness in their food preparation areas and to wash table surfaces, utensils, and equipment to prevent cross-contamination,” she added.

She also advised customers to only purchase food from clean eateries.