The Health Department of the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) recently issued warnings to fifty food handlers in Damansara Damai and Section 17, Petaling Jaya, regarding their failure to be vaccinated against typhoid, a potentially severe illness that affects the digestive system. Typhoid, if left untreated, can lead to fever and severe complications, and in some cases, can even be fatal.
A team of health inspectors led by MBPJ's environmental health officer, Marini Mohammad, conducted a spot check in the aforementioned areas, revealing that 47 foreign workers and three Malaysians were not vaccinated against typhoid. According to the Food Handlers Bylaw 1979, food handlers are mandated to receive typhoid vaccinations every three years, making compliance imperative.
Marini Mohammad emphasized the importance of vaccination, particularly for food handlers such as restaurant owners, hawkers, canteen operators, stall owners, and their staff who are involved in food preparation and service. She stated, "Our department will not tolerate such a lackadaisical attitude among food handlers. It is a must to be vaccinated against typhoid."
Many of those found without vaccination claimed they were unaware of this requirement, prompting immediate action. Marini Mohammad explained, "People's health is at risk. Our department decided to administer the typhoid vaccine immediately for all 50 who had contravened the health regulation." MBPJ facilitated the vaccination process by providing a medical assistant and a nurse from its clinic.
Marini Mohammad clarified that the objective of this approach is to encourage compliance rather than impose penalties. She mentioned, "We could issue the RM250 compound for each food handler, but our aim is to get them vaccinated and protect people's health." MBPJ charges RM60 for Malaysians and RM80 for foreigners for the typhoid vaccination.
In addition to vaccination, Marini Mohammad also addressed hygiene concerns among food handlers. She reprimanded eatery owners who had not provided their staff with disposable gloves, aprons, and hairnets or caps while handling food. She issued a stern warning that premises failing to meet hygiene standards during the city council's forthcoming inspections would be ordered to close.
It's worth noting that Petaling Jaya has recorded no cases of typhoid fever from January to December of the previous year and between January and August of the current year. Marini Mohammad highlighted that typhoid spreads when people consume contaminated food or water, which may come into contact with the faeces or urine of an infected person.
To prevent contamination, she instructed outlets to maintain clean food preparation areas and to ensure proper cleaning of table surfaces, utensils, and equipment. Additionally, she advised eateries to cook food thoroughly, especially meat, as a further measure to protect public health.
Finally, Marini Mohammad urged customers to patronize eateries known for their cleanliness and adherence to hygiene standards. In conclusion, MBPJ's proactive measures aim to safeguard public health by ensuring typhoid vaccination compliance and maintaining high levels of hygiene among food handlers in Petaling Jaya.
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