BINTULU: A food premises located at Jalan Tun Ahmad Zaidi here has been ordered to close for 14 days after an inspection by the authorities found rat droppings in its food preparation area.
The closure order, effective from July 17 to 30, was issued by the Assistant Environmental Health Officer of the Public Health and Environment (PHE) Section, Bintulu Development Authority (BDA), in accordance with Section 58 of the Protection of Public Health Ordinance, 1999.
BDA said the action was taken as an immediate control measure to safeguard public health and prevent any risk of food contamination.
“The inspection found the cleanliness level of the premises to be unsatisfactory and potentially hazardous to consumers.
“The two-week closure is intended to give the premises owner time to carry out thorough cleaning,” it said in a statement.
BDA also stressed that it will continue regular and ongoing monitoring of all food premises in the division as part of its commitment to ensure the safety and well-being of consumers.
“We will not compromise with any food operators who are negligent in matters of hygiene and food safety. Every operator must adhere to the hygiene guidelines that have been set,” it said.
In this regard, the authority urges all food operators to take sanitation and premises maintenance seriously to avoid enforcement actions.
The public is also encouraged to report any food premises suspected of being dirty or unsafe to the local authorities so that immediate action can be taken.
Such strict action is part of BDA’s ongoing efforts to ensure that Bintulu remains clean, healthy and safe for everyone.
