BINTULU, March 25: Two food stalls operating at a Ramadan bazaar here were ordered to close temporarily and fined RM7,150 and RM4,000 respectively for poor hygiene on Thursday (March 23).
These are the latest cases with a total of 13 food premises in Bintulu Division having been ordered to close temporarily for failing to meet hygiene standards in the first three months of this year.
In a news report by Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), Bintulu Divisional Health officer Dr Melvin Chung said both the food stall operators will need to reapply with the authorities for consideration to reopen their businesses.
“In the first three months of this year, we have conducted checks and inspections on 250 food premises, out of which 13 were ordered closed.
“In 2022, as many as 65 food premises in Bintulu Division were also ordered to close for failing to meet specified hygiene standards,” he said during an operation to inspect food premises at a Ramadan bazaar located in front of Nu Hotel here on Thursday (March 23).
Dr Chung thus advised food operators to always practise clean food storage and preparation so as to prevent cases of food poisoning and other issues that can be harmful to health.
“The Health Department conducts routine inspections to ensure food premises practice good hygiene and cleanliness.
“Our goal is not only to issue compounds (when there are violations) but to ensure the quality of food and surroundings are well maintained. We do not want the community to be affected by the food poisoning problem because it can be dangerous, especially for the elderly and children,” he emphasised. — DayakDaily
