Complain on dirty eateries via social media

Complaints on unhygienic practices by eateries can be made via the Pahang Health Department’s Facebook page. — filepic

KUANTAN: The public with complaints on dirty restaurants or eateries can highlight them on the Jabatan Kesihatan Negeri Pahang Facebook page.

Pahang Health Department director Dr Sha’ari Ngadiman said they were constantly monitoring the cleanliness of restaurants through various measures.

“Inspection of restaurants by health officers are among the many initiatives,” said Dr Sha’ari.

He added that the department has been consistently promoting and guiding food premises operators to obtain the Bersih, Selamat dan Sihat (BeSS) recognition from the Health Ministry.

“To obtain this, food operators must comply with four criteria – maintain clean premises, provide safe food, provide healthy food choices and prepare portions that meet individual needs.”

Dr Sha’ari pointed out that since the initiative was started in 2012, the department has awarded 389 eateries with the recognition. These included hospital cafeterias, restaurants, school canteens and food courts.

He said from January to May this year, 223 food premises were awarded BeSS.

Another initiative is providing them with Makanan Selamat Tanggungjawab Industri (Mesti) (Food Safety is the Responsibility of the Industry) certificate.

“This scheme focuses on small and medium enterprises and is given out together with consultation.”

As of May, 366 premises have been awarded with the certificate.

“The validity of BeSS and Mesti is three years, and during that period, audit checks for renewal will be conducted to ensure the premises comply with the Food Hygiene Regulations 2009.

“Action will be taken against those who do not follow the regulations,” he said.