AMPANG Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) inspected 109 eateries up to March and issued 107 compounds for various offences.
They included not having food handler certification, failure to go for typhoid jabs as well as the presence of pests within their premises.
MPAJ issued a compound to a food shop operator in Pandan Indah on March 26 for failing to take necessary measures to ensure the premises was free of rats, flies and other pests.
During separate inspections in Pandan Indah and Taman Permata on March 21, two compounds were issued for offences including disposing of dirty liquid into public spaces, as well as failing to maintain pest-free eateries.
Each compound carries a maximum penalty of RM1,000.
The local council said enforcement action was taken under the Food Establishment Licensing (MPAJ) By-laws 2007 and Food Handling By-Laws (MPAJ) 2007.
Traders, particularly premises owners and food handlers, were reminded to comply with hygiene requirements to ensure food prepared was clean and safe.
MPAJ deputy president Hasrolnizam Shaari said the municipal council has been carrying out regular “Ops Kebersihan” at eateries to ensure hygiene standards were met.
“If their activities do not comply, we issue reminders followed by notices so that improvements can be made,” he said after chairing the MPAJ full board meeting at its headquarters in Pandan Indah, Selangor.
He further said that enforcement did not stop at issuing notices, with follow-up checks conducted to ensure compliance.
“The result is that operators are now clearer about their responsibilities.
“We are also seeing fewer notices being issued, as many have started to comply on their own.
“When notices are issued, we find that operators are able to rectify the issues quickly,” he added.
Inspections cover not only operating hours and use of internal spaces, but also cleanliness standards including the condition of toilets. — By SHALINI RAVINDRAN
