An inspection yesterday by enforcement officers from the northeast district health office found cockroaches crawling on the freezer door, reported Berita Harian.

Items such as meat, chicken, and squid were not stored in containers, with some even left lying on the floor.

The kitchen floor was slimy and filthy, while spice storage boxes were infested with cockroaches.

Food safety and quality unit operations officer M Shashikumaran said 20 violations were recorded during the inspection, including food handlers wearing rings; having long, dirty fingernails; and not receiving anti-typhoid vaccinations.

“Food was placed directly on the floor, and garbage bins in the kitchen were left uncovered and right next to food preparation areas,” he said.

“The kitchen’s floor was collecting water, while the floor inside the freezer room was also in unsatisfactory condition.”

The premises owner was issued three compounds amounting to RM3,000 and ordered to cease operations for 14 days under Section 11 of the Food Act 1983.

During the same operation, another outlet serving Thai food was also ordered to close for 14 days under the same section.

The owner of the second premises was issued two compounds totalling RM2,000 over nine violations, including cockroach infestation.