THREE food premises in Tanjong Tokong, Penang, today were slapped with four compounds amounting to RM850.
They were ordered to close for 14 days after rat droppings were found inside the respective premises during an operation by Penang Island City Council (MBPP).
The MBPP health inspectors also penalised them for releasing wastes into the drains, conducting the business without licence or leaving their utensils on the floor.
MBPP environment health licensing officer M. Bawani said out of the four premises checked during the operation, three were ordered to close.
“We categorise the three mentioned premises as Grade C in terms of cleanliness.
“All the three premises are filthy and therefore we had no choice but to shut them down for 14 days.
“As such, we will continue to monitor and continue with such operation from time to time,” she told a press conference at the council’s Licencing Department in Esplanade.
Up to date this year, Bawani said six operations have been carried out in 24 premises on the island.
She added the council would not compromise on cleanliness.
“We prioritise the importance of hygiene,” Bawani stressed.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Alissala Thian