Subang Jaya Municipal Council seals off dirty eateries in Puchong Jaya

Tuesday, 5 August 2008

Subang Jaya Municipal Council seals off dirty eateries in Puchong Jaya

Subang Jaya Municipal Council seals dirty eateries in Puchong J

Fancy having your meals at one of the restaurants and the only thing that keeps you company are cockroaches running around and the occasional rat scampering around the kitchen just beside you?

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

That's what greeted the MPSJ health department raiding team when they went visiting outlets in Puchong Jaya on the night of 20 July 2008.

Led by MPSJ Health officer Dr Roslan Mohamed Husin, the 30 strong team and three councillors - 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 off. 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 workers’ 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 off. 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.

Councillor 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."