KOTA KINABALU: The presence of pest droppings and unhygienic kitchen conditions were among the reasons behind the temporary closure of 12 eateries in the city.
The closures followed a Health Department operation on Sept 24 to inspect food safety and cleanliness at 62 premises.
According to the Kota Kinabalu Health Division, the operation was conducted under the Food Act 1983 and the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024, covering premises in Asia City, Bandaran Berjaya, Api-Api and Warisan Square.
Of the 62 places inspected – 56 restaurants, four kiosks and stalls, and two bakeries – 12 were ordered to close temporarily for cleaning and corrective work.
Nine of the 12 premises were found to have rat and cockroach infestations, while the remaining three scored below 65% in the cleanliness assessment.
The operation also resulted in 42 compounds being issued for other violations such as poor premises hygiene, inadequate pest control and waste management, improper food-handler attire and improper food storage.
