Fines for unhygienic eateries are NOT enough

Star Online:

Can’t tell filthy kitchens from recycling centres

MBPP environment health officer M. Bawani checking one of the dirty restaurant in Tanjung Tokong in George Town yesterday. - MBPP pic/12 March 2020 

PENANG Island City Council (MBPP) ordered three dirty eateries to close temporarily after rat droppings were found at the premises in Tanjung Tokong.

MBPP environmental health officer M. Bawani led 12 licensing officers in a spot check on four eateries in the area.

Of the four eateries, three were ordered close as rat droppings and cockroaches were found in their premises.

Bawani said they also issued a total of four compounds worth RM850 to the three eateries.

“One restaurant was told to close after we found rat droppings in the premises.

“Two other restaurants, also with rat droppings, were ordered to close and given a compound of RM500 each for failing to install grease traps.

“Another restaurant received two compounds of RM250 and RM100 for operating without a licence and for washing cooking utensils on the floor, respectively, ” she said during a press conference at the MBPP licensing office at the Esplanade in George Town on Thursday.

Bawani said during the operations, the officers observed several unhygienic practices at the premises.

“The three eateries that were closed were filthy condition.

“We could not even tell if the premises were used for cooking or as a recycling centre.

“Even though the food handlers had proper records of typhoid injection, their general hygiene was not up to par, and the premises scored a grade below C.

“During the operation, we caught one of the food handlers trying to fry a piece of raw fish that she had earlier dropped on the ground.

“We also found the temperature of several chillers set at 22 degrees Celsius even though chillers are supposed to be kept at a temperature between zero and four degree Celsius.

“We warned the food operators to strictly follow proper hygiene guidelines, ” she added.

Bawani said this was the sixth time that the operation was held this year.

Absolutely disgusting.

The fines aren't punitive enough. Such irresponsible joints should be severely punished.