SIBU, Oct 24: Approximately 13 coffee shops operating illegally are facing delays in their license applications due to various complications.
Sibu Municipal Council’s (SMC) General Purpose and Community Services Standing Committee chairperson, Councillor (Cr) Donna Petrus Ngelai, explained that the council has been unable to grant them operating licenses, despite their substantial investments in their businesses.
“Most of the coffee shops have not received their licenses because approval from the Fire Department regarding fire safety requirements is pending.
“Some of them are also operating in non-commercial areas, such as residential neighbourhoods, which require approval from the Land and Survey Department,” she stated.
“As they are not in commercial areas, we (SMC) cannot issue permits for them. However, we are in dialogue with the owners to address the license issue,” she added during a joint inspection conducted by the SMC Public Health, Environment and Municipality Services Standing Committee, SMC General Purpose and Community Services Standing Committee, and enforcement.
The council recognises the significant investments made by these businesses and is working diligently to facilitate the approval of their licenses.
Meanwhile, SMC Public Health, Environment, and Municipality Services Standing Committee Vice Chairman, Cr Yiing Sy Huat, mentioned that the inspection was focused on assessing hygiene and cleanliness levels.
“This marks the fourth inspection conducted this year, but it is the first time we have performed an operation at night, as many coffee shops primarily operate during nighttime,” he explained.
During the inspection of 24 coffee shops in the town’s commercial area, two operators were fined for not having permits to use the five-foot way and for maintaining unclean environments.
Three others received warning letters due to the expiration of their permits to use the five-foot way. — DayakDaily
