Two nasi kandar outlets ordered to close for two weeks due to poor hygiene (Updated)

GEORGE TOWN: Two famous nasi kandar outlets in popular Jalan Penang here were ordered to close for two weeks after a dead rat and rat droppings were found on the premises.

The order to close Line Clear and Yasmeen restaurants was issued by the Penang Health Department following a joint operation with the Penang Island City Council.
Operations at the two outlets were halted beginning at 3pm today for the cleaning process to begin.

Penang Island City Council Public Health Standing Committee chairman Ong Ah Teong said the dead rat was found in a store room at one of the premises.

He said rat droppings were found near the area where tinned drinks were stored which may result in the spread of disease.

“This is dangerous for public health, rat urine can cause leptospirosis infection in people which may result in death,” he said after the operation today.

Ong said cleanliness in Penang was paramount to maintain the image of the state as a tourism destination.

“Penang is famous as a food haven, operators have to ensure their places are clean and hygienic so visitors will want to visit again,” he added.

Health Department officers also issued summonses totalling RM1,000 to the operator of Sup Hameed along the same road.

Ong said the fines was for a dirty kitchen area, greasy floors and not having a properly functioning grease trap.

“The Council also fined the operator RM250 for not having a functioning grease trap and RM30 each for three workers who were not vaccinated,” he added.

Meanwhile, Line Clear's Sahubar Ali, 59, said he only took charge of the business two weeks ago.

He said this was the first time the business was ordered to close under his watch but was confident of ensuring good cleanliness after this.

“This is an open space, it is hard for us to control the rats,” he said adding workers cleaned the premises everyday.

Another operator who declined to be named said this was the first time his operations were ordered to be closed after 28 years in the business.

“I have no choice but to adhere,” he added.