DINERS in Johor Baru can now expect cleaner public washrooms at all food premises.
This is due to a minimum four-star rating requirement under a new initiative by Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) taking effect this year.
Johor Baru mayor Datuk Mohd Haffiz Ahmad said the “Bersih, Menawan dan Wangi” (clean, attractive and fragrant) initiative was now part of guidelines for licence renewal approval.
“Operators must ensure their toilets achieve at least a four-star rating during inspections.
“Failure to do so will bar them from being able to renew their business licences,” he said in his speech at the city council’s monthly full board meeting at Menara MBJB.
Mohd Haffiz said the move marked a significant push by MBJB to raise hygiene standards across the city’s 7,435 eateries.
“The new rule applies to all food premises, irrespective of whether they are 24-hour restaurants or not.
“To support the implementation, the city council will provide operators with a self-assessment checklist before enforcement officers carry out scheduled inspections.
“If the toilets fall short of the criteria, operators are expected to carry out necessary cleaning or upgrades before applying for renewal again.”
He added that enforcement action could also be taken under existing by-laws if operators failed to comply.
“MBJB hopes this measure will not only improve hygiene in eateries but also promote greater care for external areas such as kitchens, back lanes and surroundings.
“Toilet cleanliness reflects the overall hygiene and image of a business.
“It also speaks volumes about our city,” Mohd Haffiz said.
