My letter to The New
Paper on the above issue is published today, Monday 8th June 2015.
When I first read about the plight about the Indonesian
woman who had to go to jail for operating an unlicensed business in a two-room
rental flat (“She had a curry puff ‘factory’ The New Paper, June 1), I was
rather upset with the authorities for coming down so hard on someone who was trying
to make a living to support her two young children.
But after reading
about the investigations by the National Environment Agency (NEA) into the
activities of Robiah Lia Cantago (“Curry puffs prepared in unhygienic
conditions”, TNP, June 4) I fervently believe that the authorities did the
right thing by taking her to task.
Consumers need to be protected from food poisoning and
other health problems that can be caused by food prepared in poor conditions. Recycled oil used for long periods can also
make people ill.
NEA has been doing
an excellent job by ensuring that hawker centres prepare food in healthy
conditions and its grading system helps consumers make informed choices in
deciding where to eat.
Operating an illegal food business is also fair to stallholders
who pay for a valid licence. There are
proper procedures to apply for a licence to sell cooked food and Madam Robiah
could have approached her Member of Parliament for assistance.
While we welcome foreigners, we should make it clear to
them that if they are in trouble , there are proper ways of seeking help, without
breaking any laws.
RAYMOND ANTHONY
FERNANDO
No comments:
Post a Comment