MBPP to fine tune existing bylaws to strengthen enforcement

GEORGE TOWN: Penang Island City Council (MBPP) is to fine tune the existing bylaws to strengthen enforcement exercise in the state.
MBPP Licensing and Public Health alternate chairman Ong Ah Teong said currently the powers vested on the council is limited in the issuance of compound to dirty food outlets.
The existing bylaws, he added, has made their hands tied as only the Health Department has the power to close down illegal and dirty premises.
"Under Section 38 (1) of the Food Establishment Act Bylaws 1991, the council powers are limited and thus we need the Health Department to close errant food outlets.
"That why we are looking to the Act to see which clauses can be used to act against errant food outlets without the presence of the Health Department," he said during a press conference at MBPP one stop payment counter at Esplanade today.
At present, Ong said the council's legal department is studying the bylaws and if successful, the council will conduct operations and close down illegal and dirty premises.
Back in 2013, MBPP requested the Health Ministry to grant them them powers to close dirty eateries on the island.
Ong said with regular enforcement operations, food operators will adhere to cleanliness.