TEN eateries in Ampang Jaya, Selangor were ordered to close immediately for unsanitary conditions and poor food handling practices.
Checks carried out at food premises in Pandan Indah, Bandar Baru Ampang and Pandan Perdana also uncovered pest infestations and dirty floors.
The food premises were among 19 inspected during a joint operation by Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) and the Hulu Langat District Health Office (PKDHL) on June 18.
PKDHL issued closure notices to the 10 premises under Section 11 of the Food Act 1983.
Among the offences detected were the presence of cockroaches, flies and rats, as well as damaged kitchen equipment and poorly maintained grease traps.
Ingredients were also found to have been improperly stored.
Some food handlers had not received mandatory anti-typhoid injections or attended the required food-handling course, while others were found with long fingernails.
PKDHL also issued 28 notices under Section 32B of the Food Act for offences under the Food Hygiene Regulations, with compounds totalling RM20,950.
Separately, MPAJ issued nine compounds amounting to RM9,000 under its Food Establishment Licensing By-laws 2007 and Food Handling By-Laws 2007.
The operation involved 35 personnel, including health enforcement officers, a public health medical officer, environmental health assistant officers and MPAJ enforcement personnel.
MPAJ, in a statement, said the premises were selected based on public complaints and previous inspection records, with particular attention given to food outlets graded ‘C’.
The local council said it would continue working with the Health Ministry and other agencies to conduct periodic inspections and ensure food premises maintained proper hygiene standards.
It also reminded business owners involved in the processing, preparation and handling of food to comply with regulations to ensure food sold to consumers was clean and safe.
