Mishkak vendors who operate from roadsides or public places are facing the heat from Muscat Municipality, which says that not only does it want to prioritise public health through its crackdown, but also streamline these small businesses.
“The increasing number of street vendors selling mishkak in Muscat governorate poses a public health safety and hygiene concern, but the municipality has shown flexibility in dealing with them,” said Mohammed Marhun al Abri, director general of Muscat Municipality Bausher. Main among the health concerns is the source of meat and the operating conditions. He said that the segment has been provided with several alternatives.
“These include helping them organise themselves in legal manner, and allocating sites.” Recently, a municipality team cracked down on mishkak vendors in Bausher for various violations. “For example, these vendors had set up stalls in public places dedicated for visitors. Also, they block up areas with vehicles, which double up as their store,” he said. The municipality says its campaign is two-pronged and aimed at firstly safeguarding public health, hygiene in the city and also helping these vendors become organised.
“This can only be achieved by strict adherence to the Food Safety Law promulgated by Royal Decree 84/2008, among others,” Abri said. The reasons behind the crackdown were complete disregard for health, hygiene and civic rules by some vendors, stalls being set up on whatever vacant plots available and carrying out business in areas like ministries and diplomatic districts, tourist attractions, near office building etc.
A committee headed by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, with members representing various bodies, including Muscat Municipality, has been formed to look into the matter. Mishkak vendors on the other hand, have voiced objection against the move. Mohammed al Battashi, a 21 year old mishkak seller in Mawaleh said there have been no complaints from customers so far hence the crackdown comes as a “surprise”. “I do not understand the decision against selling mishkak from roadsides. This has been my livelihood for seven years. My customers are happy. They come from all parts of the city to buy from my stall.”
Omran al Balushi, a 16 year old student, who has been selling mishkak in Al Hail for two years to earn extra money, said he cannot afford to pay for a place to run his business. “I ensure that the meat used is good and also clean up the place after the day’s sale.”
Many like 17 year old Nebras al Yahmadi who operates from Seeb, are not okay with the spot allotted by the municipality. “I may decide to get a place when I have enough money. I cannot agree to all the conditions laid down by the municipality nor can I shift to the spot it has identified because this is my part-time profession. I am still a student.”
Source: MuscatDaily