Kelantan Health Authorities Step Up Vigilance for Ramadan Bazaars and Cancer Awareness

KUALA LUMPUR – The Kelantan Health Department (JKN) has announced a robust dual-front health strategy aimed at ensuring public food safety during the upcoming fasting month and improving early cancer detection rates across the state.

As the state prepares for the arrival of Ramadan, health authorities are leaving nothing to chance regarding food hygiene. JKN Director Datuk Dr. Mohd Azman Yacob confirmed the mobilization of a specialized task force to oversee the state’s popular food markets.

A total of 181 health inspectors, organized into 87 monitoring teams, will be deployed to conduct rigorous checks at 62 Ramadan bazaar locations. Unlike previous years where interventions might have been reactive, the department is shifting toward a preemptive model.

“Our approach this year is focused on routine safety. We will be taking random food samples for laboratory analysis as a standard procedure, not just in response to reported cases of food poisoning,” Dr. Mohd Azman stated.

To ensure compliance, the department has already collaborated with local authorities to conduct briefings for vendors. As a mandatory safety measure, food handlers were administered typhoid vaccinations two weeks ago to mitigate the risk of waterborne and foodborne diseases.

In addition to food safety, the department is intensifying its focus on long-term public health, specifically regarding oncology. Speaking at the state-level World Cancer Day event at Raja Perempuan Zainab II Hospital, Dr. Mohd Azman revealed significant data concerning cancer trends in the region.

Between 2017 and 2021, Kelantan recorded 6,172 cancer cases, with breast cancer emerging as the most prevalent diagnosis, accounting for 25% of the total.

• Prevalence: One in every four cancer patients in the state is battling breast cancer.
• Positive Trend: While the numbers are significant, officials attribute the high recording rate to improved public awareness and the availability of advanced diagnostic technology.
• Early Intervention: More residents are now coming forward for early screenings, which allows for more effective treatment outcomes.

The Health Department continues to urge the public to prioritize their well-being by staying informed about symptoms and seeking professional medical consultation at the first sign of abnormality.

By combining strict enforcement of food safety standards with a push for early medical screenings, Kelantan health officials aim to foster a safer, more health-conscious environment for the community throughout 2026.