Major Blunder at Hari Raya Mega Sale

In a shocking turn of events, an events company faced steep fines for allowing unlicensed food vendors to operate at the Hari Raya Mega Sale 2023, held from March 10 to 12 at Singapore Expo. The company, Megaxpress International, was slapped with a hefty penalty of $6,400 by the court on October 9. The company's director, Hamzah Bin Abdullah, received an identical fine for neglecting to ensure compliance with licensing regulations.

Unlicensed Vendors Found

During the inaugural day of the fair, officials from the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) uncovered a staggering 21 unlicensed food stalls and three food trucks. They promptly ordered Megaxpress International to halt operations of these illegal vendors. Among the affected stalls was Homemade Mak Yah Sg, which took to Facebook to express their dismay, stating, "The organiser of Megaxpress did not handle the license for us, so we can't sell and must clear everything. Sorry for the inconvenience caused."

Regulations Breached

According to the Environmental Public Health Act, it is mandatory for all operators of temporary fairs to secure a permit from the SFA prior to the event, with applications required at least two weeks before the fair’s launch. Additionally, all food and beverage stalls must possess the necessary licenses, and food handlers are obligated to pass the Food Safety Course Level 1.

Penalties for Violations

Violating these regulations can lead to fines of up to $2,000. For ongoing offenses, a further fine can accrue at the rate of $100 for each day the violation continues post-conviction.

Violent Incident at the Event

The Hari Raya Mega Sale was further marred by a violent incident when actor Kamal Adli was attacked by a fan during a meet-and-greet. The assailant, Muhammad Nabil Rashid, was later sentenced to 28 months and two weeks in prison on April 25, highlighting the chaotic atmosphere surrounding the event.

Another Legal Issue

In another troubling case, another entity, Ah Lim & Son, facing its own legal issues, was fined $3,000 on the same day for the illegal operation of an unlicensed cold store used to store seafood. SFA officers discovered the unauthorized facility at the YS-ONE industrial complex on February 29, seizing about 220 kg of otak-otak, a popular seafood delicacy in the region.

Laws Governing Food Storage

Under both the Sale of Food Act and the Wholesome Meat and Fish Act, cold storage facilities for meat and seafood require a valid license to operate, with violators facing fines up to $10,000 or imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both.

Conclusion and Future Updates

This series of blunders raises questions about oversight in event management and food safety regulations in Singapore, leaving many to wonder how such significant lapses could occur during a culturally significant celebration. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story!