7 premises ordered to close, RM43k in fines issued in public health crackdown

New Straits Times

20 hours ago

SEBERANG PRAI: Seven premises were ordered to close and 167 notices issued, with total compound fines amounting to RM43,600, during an integrated mega operation targeting public health law violations here yesterday.
The Ops Sentral operation involved 243 enforcement officers from the state Health Department and other enforcement agencies, including the Customs Department, the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, and the Seberang Prai City Council.
The objective of the operation was to enforce four public health laws, the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), the Food Act 1983 (Act 281), the Destruction of Disease-Bearing Insects Act 1975 (Act 154), and the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (Amendment) Act 2025 (Act 342).
In a statement on its Facebook page, the state Health Department said that under Act 852, a total of 175 premises were inspected, resulting in 84 notices issued, amounting to RM20,600 in compound fines.
"Among the offences were smoking in prohibited areas, minors (under 18) smoking, and premises failing to display no-smoking signs or providing smoking equipment in designated non-smoking zones.
"Court summonses were also issued for two offences involving the sale of cigarettes in open packets and one for selling cigarettes below the minimum price.
"About 50 tobacco products, worth RM179, were confiscated," it said.
Under Act 281, 45 food premises were inspected, with 68 notices issued and RM14,500 in compound fines collected.
Six premises were ordered to close immediately for violating food safety standards.
"A grocery store was fined RM2,500 under Regulation 11(1)(j) of the Food Regulations 1985 for selling food products without manufacturer information.
"A total of 111 food items, estimated to be worth RM766.70, were confiscated," it said.
Under Act 154, 929 premises were inspected, resulting in 12 notices issued and RM6,000 in fines.
One cleaning order was issued to a premise found to be at risk of breeding Aedes mosquitoes.
Under Act 342, a kindergarten was ordered to close after it was found to pose a risk of spreading Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD).
"Such operations will continue regularly to ensure greater compliance with public health laws and raise community awareness on the importance of maintaining a clean, safe and healthy environment," the department said.