Johor bahru: The Johor State Health Department (JKNJ) has not mandated any additional standard operating procedures (SOPs) for visitors and traders at Ramadan bazaars despite the reported cases of Tuberculosis (TB) in the state. Johor Health and Environment Committee chairman Ling Tian Soon said that the situation remains under control, noting that the department already has clear existing protocols for managing the transmission of the disease.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ling emphasized that those who feel uneasy or unwell are encouraged to wear face masks. He made these comments during a press conference after visiting the Pontian Mini Stadium Ramadan Bazaar. He addressed concerns about whether specific TB-related SOPs would be enforced at bazaar sites.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) reported three days ago that 3,161 TB cases were detected nationwide up to the sixth epidemiological week of this year (ME 6/2026), with Johor recording 280 cases. Ling also responded to a viral social media post showing a trader at a Johor Bahru bazaar allegedly placing business equipment in a drain, stating that JKNJ has yet to receive an official complaint. He advised the public to lodge official reports with the department rather than merely sharing incidents on social media to ensure immediate enforcement action can be taken.

Meanwhile, Ling noted that 98 per cent of the 808 Ramadan bazaar stalls inspected in Johor as of last Saturday demonstrated a high level of hygiene compliance, with only one official complaint received involving a bazaar in Ulu Tiram. He mentioned that the matter is under investigation and that appropriate action would be taken if there is a breach of the Food Hygiene Regulations 2009.

Additionally, Ling reported that 1,963 food handlers have been inspected, with 1,929 receiving ongoing health education. Monitoring at supermarkets also led to the seizure of 846 food products worth RM1,258 for offences such as selling expired items, dented cans, and damaged packaging.