Is food quality at Ramadan bazaars deteriorating?

 

The excitement of Ramadan would certainly not be complete without the presence of bazaars, which are common places for the public to buy food for breaking their fast.

However, many netizens have shared “unpleasant” stories about Ramadan bazaars in recent years.

Not only was the food sold said to be more expensive, but a handful of traders also did not care about the quality of the food they sold.

Among the frequent complaints received were that the food bought was spoiled, mouldy, or burnt.

It's not surprising then that more and more consumers are expressing a desire to boycott the Ramadan bazaars and choosing to cook at home instead.

Recently, a woman from Johor Bahru complained about finding fly eggs in the beef soup she bought at a Ramadan bazaar in Semabok, Malacca.

Another incident was shared by NurHidayah Lubis, 48, who claimed to have bought popiah with burnt filling at a bazaar in Amart Kempas. She only realised it during the breaking of fast time.

Popiah with burnt filling

"I hope bazaar traders would be more careful when preparing food. Hopefully, there will be no more detrimental incidents like this in the future," NurHidayah said.

‘Ensure quality’

Ahmad Zafran, 28, expressed his frustration on Facebook when the pulut panggang (grilled glutinous rice cake) he bought at a Kuala Terengganu bazaar was spoiled and slimy.

Spoiled pulut panggang

"Sellers must ensure their food is of good quality and not take advantage of the rise in prices to the point of burdening the buyers," he said.

Meanwhile, another individual shared a video on TikTok to express his dismay at the watery kuih tepung pelita at the bazaar in Tanjung Minyak, Malacca.

The individual was upset with the attitude of sellers who only care about profit but neglect the quality of food.

Watery tepung pelita

"I am upset with the seller because the tepung pelita looked good when I bought it, but somehow it turned out to be so watery.

"It is hoped that bazaar traders will be more cautious and sensitive about what kind of food they wish to sell," he said. - Mkini