Sibu Municipal Council conducts spot check on Grade C eateries following public complaints

SIBU (Oct 17): The Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) conducted a spot check on five Grade C eateries here today, following complaints received from the public.

SMC Public Health and Environment Standing Committee vice-chairman Councillor Yiing Sy Huat said they seized plastic straws, plates and old cups from the coffee shops.

“There are five coffee shops rated as Grade C in our jurisdiction, in which the operators have been instructed to upgrade and improve the condition at their premises within a specified time.

“Otherwise, they will be subject to action,” he told reporters when met after the spot check.

Yiing said SMC carries out grading evaluation for eateries based on their grade, adding that there are more than 700 eateries recorded under SMC from January to September this year.

“From the total, 231 eateries are rated as Grade A, 466 rated as Grade B, and five rated as Grade C. Grade A, Grade B and Grade C eateries will be evaluated every two years, every year, and every six months, respectively.

“The scoring criteria include the cleanliness of the toilet and kitchen, food preparation process, location, fans, tables, and chairs. Food handlers must also wear proper attire,” he said.

Adding on, Yiing said Grade C eateries are still allowed to operate but with constant monitoring by the council.

He stressed that the council can impose heavy measures on the eateries if their cleanliness still does not meet the standard.

“If possible, we want all eateries to achieve Grade A or at least Grade B. That is why we want eatery operators to always comply with the regulations.

“We are very concerned about public health. Therefore, we will not compromise on food safety and hygiene, and will act as soon as we receive complaints from public members,” he said.