Three eateries, spice store ordered shut over cleanliness issues

GEORGE TOWN: Three eateries and a spice store were ordered to shut by the Penang Island City Council (MBPP), after rat droppings and live cockroaches were found separately on their premises.

The outlets were a cafe at Lebuh Bishop, a restaurant in Lebuh Chulia, a spice store in Lebuh Pinang and a banana leaf restaurant in Penang Street.

During an operation Wednesday (Feb 26) by MBPP, three compound notices totalling RM260 were also issued to three of the four outlets.

MBPP health officer Bawani Murugasan said they found live cockroaches at the outlets in Lebuh Chulia and Penang Street, while rat droppings were found at the outlets in Lebuh Bishop and Lebuh Pinang.

She said the outlets were subsequently ordered to close in accordance with MBPP by-laws under Section 38 (1) of the Food Establishment Act Bylaws 1991.

During the operation, Bawani led 12 council licensing officers to carry out spot checks on the four outlets.

“This is our fourth spot check this year.

“To date, we have checked 17 premises and closed down 12, with 19 compound notices totalling RM1,300 issued, ” she said Wednesday at a press conference after a spot check on all four outlets.