KUCHING: Two popular eateries located at Jalan Pending here, have been ordered to temporarily close down due to unsanitary conditions.
Both premises are ordered to close down for 14 days under the Food Act 1983.
The decision was made following a joint raid by the Kuching Divisional Health Office and the Sarawak Immigration Enforcement Office on today (Oct 19).
Kuching Division Health Office enforcement officer Sabri Sahari said the joint operation was prompted by public complaints regarding the presence of illegal workers and their lack of proper food handling training.
“During our inspections, it was confirmed that two foreign workers at the first eatery were working without valid permits.
“Both were subsequently arrested and their lack of valid permits meant they had not received proper food handling training or undergone required health examinations,” he said when met by New Sarawak Tribune at the scene.
Furthermore, inspections revealed that the cleanliness of the premises was well below acceptable standards, leading to their temporary closure.
In the case of the second eatery, all workers had attended the required courses and possessed valid work permits, however, health enforcement officials discovered a severe cockroach infestation.
“Though not immediately visible, they were found under tables in the kitchen area.
“If any establishment found with the presence of cockroaches or rats, we will close it down as it shows how unclean your premises is until there are cockroaches or rats roaming,” he said.
Regarding the penalties, the premises’ owners would face compounds ranging from RM500 to RM2,500, depending on the offences identified during the operation.
To date, the divisional health office has closed over 60 eateries in Kuching over unsanitary conditions.
“Members of the public, who patronise any eateries, expect a clean and hygienic environment in addition to delicious food,” he said.
