KOTA BARU: Seventy-two food premises in Kelantan were ordered to close for 14 days this year for breaching hygiene regulations and posing a risk to public health.
Kelantan Health director Datuk Dr Mohd Azman Yacob said the action was taken under Section 11 of the Food Act 1983 after inspections found the premises had failed to comply with stipulated cleanliness and food safety standards.
He said the department’s Food Safety and Quality Division had carried out continuous enforcement operations throughout the year, including integrated clean premises operations, routine inspections and monitoring across all districts.
With the onset of seasonal torrential rains that often cause floods, maintaining food cleanliness is vital to prevent the spread of diseases such as diarrhoea, health experts said.
“These inspections are aimed at ensuring food premises comply with regulations and at preventing water- and food-borne diseases such as food poisoning, typhoid and cholera,” they added.
Dr Azman said the inspections were conducted at eateries, stalls, restaurants, factories and Ramadan bazaars, involving a total of 6,957 premises.
“A total of 2,813 notices were issued under the Food Hygiene Regulations 2009 this year, involving fines amounting to RM519,950.
“Another 79 notices were issued under the Food Regulations 1985, with penalties totalling RM46,600,” he added.
On the 72 premises ordered to close, he said 39 were shut following integrated enforcement operations conducted in various districts.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
