Latest news with #Drains
New Straits Times
24-07-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Four premises ordered to close after rat droppings found in the kitchen
GEORGE TOWN: Four business premises - three restaurants and a grocery store - in the northeast district, were ordered to close for 14 days after rat droppings were found in their premises. This was after a spot-check conducted by the Licensing Department of the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) of five food premises including restaurants and grocery stores. The premises were ordered to close under By-law 38(1), Food Establishment By-laws MPPP 1991 after inspections found unsatisfactory hygiene levels, including the discovery of rat droppings in the kitchen and food display racks. "Four premises - three restaurants and one grocery store - were ordered to close starting last Tuesday until Aug 4. "The inspection also found that kitchen equipment and food storage areas were not properly maintained, and there were elements of contamination," the city council said in a statement today. Meanwhile, another premise was fined under Section 47(1) of the Roads, Drains, and Buildings Act 1974 (Act 133) for failing to maintain its grease trap, which caused food waste to flow into the public drain. The operation also focused on checking business licenses, typhoid vaccination status of food handlers and verifying whether employees were locals or foreigners. "In addition to enforcement action, MBPP officers also advised premise owners to always prioritise cleanliness, especially in food preparation areas, to ensure consumer safety. "MBPP is committed to conducting regular inspections to ensure that every food premise complies with hygiene and food safety standards as outlined by the local authorities," it added.
Hans India
08-07-2025
- General
- Hans India
‘Magic Drains' to improve groundwater, sanitation: Tourism minister
Rajamahendravaram: The coalition government is exploring the implementation of 'Magic Drains' with the dual objective of improving groundwater levels and reducing the burden of sanitation maintenance in rural areas, said Minister for Tourism, Culture and Cinematography Kandula Durgesh. Speaking to 'The Hans India,' he said that a detailed study is underway to understand the benefits of Magic Drains, which are an alternative to the conventional roadside cement drains currently used for disposing of domestic wastewater. The government has held consultations with experts and officials to understand how these drains can help prevent water stagnation and the spread of foul odour. The minister said the proposed system is expected to solve long-standing drainage issues in villages while also reducing operational expenses and labour stress for panchayats. 'Magic Drains will ensure that wastewater from households flowing onto roads does not stagnate. This will prevent mosquito breeding, reduce health risks, and improve overall hygiene conditions,' he said. Minister Durgesh further added that under the Akira Miyawaki plantation method, several saplings have already been planted in the Nidadavole constituency. This method, which promotes dense and fast-growing mini-forests, will be integrated into the beautification and environmental improvement plans along the Magic Drains. He stressed that the Magic Drain system will not only help in sanitation but also in recharging groundwater tables through infiltration techniques. 'The twin benefits of cleaner villages and sustainable water conservation can be achieved with this model,' he noted. The government is currently in the planning stage and will identify pilot villages where Magic Drains can be implemented first. Based on the outcomes, the project may be expanded to other areas across the state. Public awareness campaigns and training for local sanitation workers will also be part of the initiative to ensuresmooth implementation, he added.
