KUALA LUMPUR - Foreign nationals are not allowed to operate premises or cook at stalls run by locals at Ramadan bazaars across Penang.

Local traders will also face action if they are found renting out their stalls to immigrants, as part of the Penang Island City Council’s (MBPP) efforts to curb the practice.

MBPP Mayor, Datuk Ir A. Rajendran said the council will monitor all 27 Ramadan bazaars in the North-East and South-West districts to ensure licensed traders comply with regulations.

He said the council will not compromise and will take firm action if foreign workers are found managing stalls at Ramadan bazaars in the state.

“As in previous years, we have taken action. But we want to ensure that the stall owner is present. We only allow foreign workers to assist businesses owned by local traders at Ramadan bazaars.

“However, they are not allowed to cook or manage the premises there. We still tolerate and allow flexibility for foreign workers to act as assistants to ensure the Ramadan bazaars can operate successfully.

“Because it would be quite difficult if the responsibility were placed solely on the stall owners," he said when met by the media regarding measures taken to address the issue.

Meanwhile, MBPP will also intensify cleanliness operations at Ramadan bazaars by conducting visits and inspections at each premises in collaboration with the State Health Department.

The council will also focus on visitor safety and address traffic congestion at popular bazaar locations through traffic enforcement measures.

“We can reduce traffic congestion by taking steps such as coming in groups or parking vehicles further away and walking to the Ramadan bazaar.

“In addition, we are taking a flexible approach in traffic enforcement and will only take action against vehicles parked in areas that disrupt traffic flow.

“(The action taken) is aimed at ensuring the entire environment is clean and safe for public visits," he said after officiating the Liga Muslim Ramadan Bazaar at Lebuh Queen last Thursday.