TAKING IT LIGHTLY:Some farmer’s market have low level of cleanliness despite Fama’s ruling of revoking the traders’ licences if they do not measure up
THE level of cleanliness at the pasar tani in Taman Melawati in Hulu Kelang and Section 9 in Bandar Baru Bangi can be improved.
A recent check by Streets showed that cleanliness was just average at these markets as we found rubbish such as fruit peels and food waste strewn on the ground. There was also a pile of garbage near a vegetable stall.
We also spotted some polystyrene and cardboard boxes, empty bottles and garbage behind some stalls.
Several traders who sold meat were seen discarding plastic bags into the drain.
Visitors as well as customers to the pasar tani urged the traders to maintain the cleanliness in the area.
Housewife Zarin Abdullah, in her 30s, said she preferred shopping for her provisions at the pasar tani as it was cheaper there than in supermarkets.
"I'm aware that the level of cleanliness of the market is just average. But I have no choice as this is the nearest market to my house," she said.
Another patron, who only wanted to be known as Maria, said she was not satisfied with the level of cleanliness at the market. She said she goes to the pasar tani as it was easier to get certain local produce there than in supermarkets.
"I seldom shop here because I normally buy vegetables and meat at supermarkets. Despite the slightly higher prices, I find shopping at supermarkets more comfortable.
"The pasar tani traders should ensure that they keep their site clean at all times as they are selling food."
A customer, who wanted to be known as Nurul, however, didn't mind with the market's poor condition.
"The level of cleanliness is still acceptable as I've seen many other pasar tani which are dirtier. However, I hope the traders will do their part to keep this market as clean as possible," she said.
Visitors of the Section 9 pasar tani in Bandar Baru Bangi were more satisfied with the cleanliness level there but nevertheless urge the authorities to carry out regular checks to ensure that the place is kept clean.
Ghazali Othman, 43, who was here to buy some vegetables said the local council should place an officer to oversee the pasar tani operations.
"Traders who disregard hygiene need to be fined," he said.
Ghazali said the traders should learn to be more responsible in keeping the place clean and not have a lax attitude since others are cleaning up after them.
Customer Aida Shukri, 28, said the authorities should consider having an award system where the cleanest trader is rewarded.
A butcher at the market said they were relocated from the PKNS Complex to the Section 9 Ramadan bazaar site.
"The place is narrow and we have trouble loading and unloading our produce. This could be the reason why some customers find the food stuff on the ground," he said.
Streets recently reported that traders' licences will be revoked by the Federal Agriculture Marketing Authority (Fama) if they fail to comply with the cleanliness requirement.
Fama had set up a cleanliness committee to conduct routine inspections at pasar tani sites throughout the state.
The move was to maintain cleanliness at these places and to draw in more customers.
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