Cockroaches & Rats Keep Dirty Outlet Diners Company

Saturday, 12 July 2008

Cockroaches & Rats Keep Dirty Outlet Diners Company

An MPSJ enforcement officer watches as restaurant workers move their stalls into the shoplot before having their outlet sealed.

Subang Jaya Municipal Council seals dirty eateries in Puchong Jaya

Fancy having ur meal at one of the restaurants and the only thing that keeps you company are cockroaches running around and the occassional rat scampering at the kitchen just beside you.

This pair of cockroaches was spotted on the lid of a rice cooker.

Dry stuff like onions, packets of instant noodles and even uncooked rice stacked on the dirty floor.

That's what greeted MPSJ's raiding team from its health department when they went visiting outlets in Puchong Jaya last night (Friday).

Led by MPSJ Health officer Dr Roslan Mohamed Husin, the 30 strong team and three councilors - Norhesni Ismail, Hamdan Ismail and Mohd Nasir Yusof headed out to check on 21 eateries in the Puchong Jaya area.

Out of 14 premises checked, three were ordered to cease business for the night and their premises sealed. Twenty compounds for various offences were issued in total.

According to MPSJ public relations officer Azfarizal Abdul Rashid, the checks were being done to keep tabs on the level of cleanliness in eateries around the municipality.

"Our raiding party tonight found workers who had not been vaccinated."

"Food items were left on the floor and the worker's general cleanliness was not taken care of," he said.

Azfarizal said improper disposal of rubbish and leftovers was also another issue.

"Many residents have complained of rats in Puchong. The source is mainly from all these dirty eateries."

"Operators must comply with all the guidelines and conditions stipulated in their licence," he added.

Under the Food Establishment Licensing Bylaw (MPSJ) 2007, premises found to be dirty can be sealed. Reopening the outlet would depend on how the operator cleans up the place within the stipulated time.

Compounds of RM1,000 can also be issued for dirty outlets and also for polluting the drains.

Councilor Hamdan Ismail had this to say for his first ever inspection with the council, since being appointed a few weeks ago, "It's my first time. With this exposure, at least I now know the guidelines for such businesses around our area."