According to state health department (JKN) director Dr Rusdi Abd Rahman, the three factories were ordered shut in accordance with Section 11 of the Food Act 1983 as the department was not satisfied with the cleanliness at the three factories.

The three factories that processed bean curd, ice cream and milk powder were located in the Melaka Halal Hub Industrial Park in Serkam and Jasin Industrial Park.

Rusdi said the three factories were among 73 food processing factories that were inspected by the department this year.

“As of today, JKN had issued 58 compounds worth RM47,350 for various offences involving non-compliance of cleanliness under the food processing and safety standard procedures.

“Another 10 premises involved in processing noodles, bean curd, milk powder, ice cream and yogurt were also issued compounds worth RM25,000 for various offences under food hygiene regulations,” he said in a statement.

Rusdi said the integrated operation was carried out by the Food Safety and Quality Division as well as the Inspectorate and Legal Unit to ensure food processing factories in Melaka met the Malaysia Food Protection Scheme (MeSTI) standard.

Members of the public who come across factories or premises that process food products without the necessary cleanliness procedures, can contact their respective district health department or visit the http://moh.spab.gov.my website to file a complaint.