GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has taken repeat enforcement action against three foreign-operated premises along Jalan Macalister here following a viral TikTok video alleging regulatory violations at the location.
In a statement responding to a video uploaded to TikTok on Aug 30, MBPP said it had taken and continued to take enforcement action against foreign-operated business activities at the location.
"Enforcement actions that have been carried out include the seizure of business goods and sealing of premises based on relevant legal provisions, including the Food Establishment By-Laws of MPPP 1991, the Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974 and Section 101(1)(v) of the Local Government Act 1976," it said.
MBPP said enforcement had previously been carried out at the same location on Nov 15 and Dec 2 last year, and Feb 24 this year.
The council said it carried out another enforcement operation at the same location on Sept 1.
"These actions included the seizure of business goods, particularly wet goods, which were disposed of immediately according to procedure and were not returned to the traders," it said.
"In the operation, seizure and sealing of premises were carried out under Section 101(1)(v) of the Local Government Act 1976, involving three premises," it said in the statement on Tuesday (Sept 1).
The premises were all located in Jalan Macalister.
On its enforcement approach, MBPP said it remained firm and consistent in dealing with foreign-operated businesses that breached regulations.
"The council is always vigilant, firm and consistent in dealing with business activities operated by foreigners who violate legal provisions, licensing conditions and stipulated regulations.
"Every enforcement action carried out is based on existing SOPs and provisions of the laws in force, and appropriate action will continue to be taken against any party found to have committed an offence," it said.
MBPP said it had taken 703 enforcement actions against foreign-operated business activities between 2022 and 2026.
The number comprised 37 actions in 2022, followed by 127 (2023), 212 (2024), 263 (2025) and 64 (2026).
The council also said enforcement would continue to ensure businesses complied with the law.
"The council takes seriously any business activities carried out without complying with legal provisions and stipulated conditions.
"Enforcement action will be carried out continuously to ensure business activities within the MBPP administrative area are conducted in an orderly and lawful manner and comply with the requirements of the laws in force," it said.
Earlier, two TikTok posts by "Team Surplus Pulau Pinang" and "Team Surplus KL/Selangor" had alleged that foreigners were openly flouting regulations and questioned MBPP's enforcement efforts.
One post claimed it had conducted an operation targeting foreigners along Jalan Macalister here ahead of National Day.
Another post, captioned "Komtar bukan zon kebal undang-undang" (Komtar is not a zone immune to the law), alleged that foreigners were openly violating regulations in front of Komtar and questioned the consistency of enforcement action.
The posts called for greater transparency, consistency and immediate action from the local authority to ensure laws were upheld without discrimination and to restore public confidence in enforcement institutions.
Among the allegations were that foreigners were allowed to trade without signboards and slaughter chickens at the premises.
