23 F&B outlets in Malacca Tengah issued temporary closure order

MALACCA: A total of 23 premises selling food and beverages (F&B) in the Malacca Tengah district was issued with temporary closure order following inspections carried out by the State Health Department on 731 outlets from January to May this year.
Malacca Health exco Low Chee Leong said the action was taken under the Food Hygiene Regulations 2009 following the food operators failed to comply with standard regulations, quality and hygiene in terms of food preparations and handling.
He said the emphasis on hygiene and safety aspects in providing and handling essential foods was important to avoid any untoward incidents among the consumers.
"We view cleanliness of F&B premises operating in the state very seriously as Malacca is a well-known tourist destination both locally and abroad.
"Therefore, the State Health Department will continue to enhance enforcement efforts and increase inspections on F&B outlets in the state, especially at the popular areas, such as in Malacca Raya as there have been complaints on the level of hygiene in the area," he said in a statement here today.
Meanwhile, he said, a chicken rice vendor in Taman Malacca Raya here was given a stern warning during an inspection carried out at the restaurant about 11.05am yesterday after a video went viral showing crows nibbling on cooked chicken meat hung at the back of the restaurant.
He said that this should not have happened because food which has been prepared or for sale, should be stored in a clean and pest-free area to prevent the spread of diseases to consumers.
Low urged the public to choose clean F&B premises when buying food to avoid any untoward incident and to report to the district health office if food premises were found dirty or not complying with sanitary aspects in preparation and handling of food. — Bernama