Popular but dirty eateries shut down

GEORGE TOWN: A POPULAR kopitiam in Sungai Bakap near Nibong Tebal on mainland Penang was ordered to be closed for two weeks after its workers were found to have not undergone medical check-up as required by law.

Another eatery, one that sells nasi ayam in Bayan Baru near here, was also ordered to be closed for 14 days after rats and cockroaches were found in the outlet. The eatery was also found using old newspapers to cover its dishes.

South-west district health officer Dr Mohamad Iqbal Hamzah said the two errant eateries were among 31 food outlets, including fast food restaurants, taken to task for failing to observe proper hygiene in food preparation and handling as well as to keep their premises clean and clear of pests.

He said the two cases would be investigated under Section 11 of the Food Act, 1983, and the offenders were liable to five years' jail or a fine or both.

During the day-long Op Fast Food recently, another popular kopitiam, in Jelutong here, was fined for keeping expired loaves of bread together with fresh ones.

The 24-hour outlet was also found guilty for using chipped soup bowls when serving its customers.

At another popular fast food outlet, also in Jelutong, the health checks, conducted by about 50 health officers and the enforcement unit from the five districts in the state, found it using 10-day-old vegetable oil to cook French fries.

Close to the errant outlet, the raiding team discovered another fast food outlet storing expired pizza dough with fresh ones in the same freezer.

Dr Iqbal said he was disappointed with the attitude of many food operators as they failed to buck up although they were aware that the state Health Department was in the midst of conducting checks on all eateries.

"They know we are conducting checks regularly and have directed many dirty outlets to close down until they clean up their act.

"We will not stop carrying out the checks and bring errant operators to book. We will not compromise on this," he said.

He said besides proper food handling and preparation, eatery operators must also ensure their premises are clean and safe for consumers.

"We found many had neglected to ensure the cleanliness of their kitchen and eating areas.

"We also found signs of the presence of rats in some outlets when we checked their storage areas.

"There were bite marks on rice packs and cardboard boxes which had food items in them.

"This is a very serious offence which could cause serious health issues to both customers and workers," he said.

A total of RM3,720 in compound was issued to the errant eatery operators.

(NST)