Mayor calls on public to report unhygienic practices
Iskandar Puteri City Council (MBIP) is taking stern action against those using the back lanes of their F&B businesses for cooking and washing.
Action could be taken against such eateries under Local Government Act 1976 (Act 171), said Iskandar Puteri mayor Hasrin Kamal Hashim.
“Cooking and washing should take place inside the premises and not in back lanes, as this causes a nuisance and compromises public hygiene.”
Hasrin reminded businesses, including F&B outlets, that the city council had the right to take action for failure to adhere to conditions stipulated under their business licences.
“Activities like cooking and washing in back lanes hinder refuse collection, degrade public spaces and worsen nuisances and sanitation issues.”
He said local authorities would act against such offenders who negatively impacted community well-being and development.
He urged the public to lodge complaints with the city council if they encountered operators conducting such activities in restricted areas.
“Scheduled inspections are carried out to ensure premises owners follow the guidelines,” said the mayor.
He added that the MBIP Health Department conducted inspections once a year and premises that received Grade C would be reinspected within six months.
Hasrin said these inspections were done in accordance with guidelines by Housing and Local Government Ministry.
“Any premises with serious hygiene problems will be ordered to close for 14 days by the Johor Baru District Health Office.”
Hasrin said 75 compounds had been issued under Act 171 from January to August last year, adding that no complaints of dirty toilets had been received.
“We also did not receive any reports last year regarding disposal of used cooking oil into drains.”
Hasrin said installation of grease traps was one of the mandatory requirements in F&B business licence applications.
“Failure to instal and maintain grease traps will result in premises owners being unable to operate or renew their licences.”
