Vermin infestation leads to temporary closure of two spice premises

4 months ago 31

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KUCHING: Two spice-selling premises at Gambier Road here have been ordered to close temporarily after health enforcement officers found cockroaches and rat droppings inside.

Both of them were ordered to close down for 14 days under the Section 11 of the Food Act 1983.

The decision followed a joint operation by the Kuching Divisional Health Office’s Food Safety and Quality Unit and the Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) Licensing Division this morning.

Sarawak Tribune covered the operation, which started around 9.20 am, with inspectors examining the premises’ cleanliness before finding cockroaches and rat droppings.

Kuching Divisional Health Officer Dr Johnny Pangkas said the operation was carried out based on public complaints about cleanliness issues.

“We found that the food storage and cleanliness of these premises were well below acceptable standards and did not comply with sanitary and hygienic requirements.

“As a result, we issued notices of closure under Section 11 of the Food Act 1983,” he said at the scene.

Other than that, DBKU licensing officers also found both premises to be operating without a valid licence.

The officers will issue notices under the Kuching Municipal Council (Licensing of Miscellaneous Occupations) By-law 1961, which may result in a compound.

From Jan 1 until July 6, the Kuching Food Safety and Quality Unit has inspected 1,761 food premises and closed 43 due to hygiene issues.

In addition, they also issued 314 notices under the Food Hygiene Regulations 2009 and eight notices under the Food Regulations 1985 for various offences.