177 Penang Food Premises Temporarily Closed Over Pest, Hygiene Issues

Penang authorities have temporarily shut down 177 food establishments between January and April this year to conduct cleaning operations. The closures, affecting about 4.3% of the 4,069 food premises inspected, were primarily attributed to pest control issues, particularly rat infestations, which accounted for 68.9% of the shutdowns.

Hygiene standards were also a significant factor, with 27.7% of the affected premises found to be unsatisfactory. An additional 3.4% were closed due to suspected links to food poisoning incidents. State committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen stated that most inspected premises adhered to the required hygiene standards set by the Penang State Health Department (JKNPP).

Beyond temporary closures, JKNPP issued 1,771 notices under Section 32B of the Food Act 1983 for various offenses related to premises and food handling. Gooi stressed that these actions are preventive, aiming to ensure public safety and health rather than to penalize businesses. He acknowledged the vital economic role of food entrepreneurs while asserting that hygiene and food safety remain paramount priorities for the state government.