24-07-2025
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.
