FIVE food premises at Gat Lebuh Cecil in George Town were ordered to close today following a check by the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) Licensing Department.
Led by its environment health licensing officer M. Bawani, the 15-member team carried out the spot checks from 9.30am to 12.30pm.
“Our checks found that the five premises have rat droppings. On top of that, the toilet in one of the five premises was used to keep food stuff and its drink preparing corner was dirty.
“These unhygienic conditions pose a risk to public health. It is the responsibility of the premises’ owners to keep their premises free from rats and other pests,” she added.
Bawani said nine compounds were issued to the food operators for various offences, including for not having anti-typhoid injection.
“Each of them was fined RM80 and the five premises were also ordered to be closed for 14 days starting from today.
“However, the premises’ owners were given the option of cleaning up their premises in three days (today till Nov 22) and ask for a re-inspection.
“They can re-open their shop if given the green light by the Licensing Department under its specification operating procedure (SOP),” she explained.
Story by Danny Ooi
Pix courtesy of MBPP