PETALING JAYA: Eight eateries in George Town, Penang, have been ordered to close for two weeks after local authorities found rat droppings and cockroaches in their kitchens.
In a Facebook post, the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) said this followed a surprise check on nine food premises in the city yesterday.
The city council said at one of the eateries, workers were found slicing raw fish on the floor, while freezers at other premises were not well maintained.
It also said two premises had not installed grease traps and were directly discharging food waste into public drains via their sinks.
“MBPP stresses that the closure of these premises is not aimed at disrupting their business but to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the local community.
“Good hygiene is very important to protect the health of customers and also to preserve the reputation of Penang’s food and beverage industry,” it said.