THE Penang Island City Council (MBPP) closed down three dirty food premises in Jalan Macalister / Jalan Gurdwara in George Town today.
Led by its environmental health officer M. Bawani, a 15-member team from the Licensing Department carried out spot checks on several outlets from 10am to 1pm.
“Our checks found that the three premises have rat droppings, presence of rats and cockroaches. There was even a dead rat at one of the premises. We also found raw food items put on the floor and also raw eggs which were not properly cleaned.
“On top of that, hawkers were found not to have anti-typhoid injection.
“These unhygienic conditions pose a risk to public health. It is the responsibility of the premises’ owners to keep their places free from rats and other pests,” she told a press conference.
Also present was MBPP environmental health officer senior assistant Goh Chun Eng.
Bawani said six compounds where issued to the food operators for various offences, including for not having anti-typhoid injection.
‘Each was fined RM80 and the three premises were also ordered to be closed for 14 days starting from Feb 20.
“However, the premises’ owners are given the option of cleaning up their premises in three days (today till Feb 23) and ask for a re-inspection.
“By then, they can re-open their shop if given the green light by the Licensing Department under its standard operating procedure,” she stressed.
Story by Danny Ooi
Pix by Chan Kok Kuan