Penang health department’s food safety and quality division environmental health officer Wazir Khalid said during the “Ops Tegar 2” operation at the two premises, they found the level of cleanliness did not meet the set standards.

“The two factories, located at Jalan Perak and Batu Lanchang, were issued three compound notices each, with fines of almost RM12,000.

“We also ordered these factories closed under Section 11 of the Food Act 1983 until April 16,” he told reporters after the operation today.

Wazir said during the inspection at the soybean-based product processing factory in Batu Lanchang, they found rat droppings and cockroaches.

The premises had been operating for the past 10 years. They were found to be neglecting hygiene by placing barrels containing soybeans in the toilet area at the factory.

Wazir said based on their investigation, the factory was last raided two years ago, with the owner being issued with compound notices for similar offences. At that time, it was ordered to close for 14 days because the premises were filthy.

“Our inspection also found rats roaming in the factory. Rat droppings were found everywhere, with cockroach nests also found in the soybean storage area,” he said.

Three male workers, including two foreign workers, were present during the raid.

The inspection at the noodle processing factory found that it was operating in dirty conditions.

The equipment used was covered in dust. Equipment in the factory was also covered in slime.

Wazir believed the workers had never cleaned the equipment. Even the floor was slippery.