KOTA BHARU, Dec 28 (Bernama) -- Seventy-two food outlets in Kelantan have been ordered to close this year for failing to meet the hygiene standards set under the Food Act 1983.
Kelantan State Health Department (JKNK) director Datuk Dr Mohd Azman Yacob said that Machang district had the highest number of food premises failing to meet hygiene standards, with 13 cases, followed by nine each in Bachok and Kota Bharu.
He said that a total of 6,957 premises had been inspected during operations conducted this year, with 4,840, or 70 per cent, achieving Grade A, 26 per cent Grade B and four per cent Grade C
“A total of 2,813 notices, amounting to RM519,950, were issued under the Food Hygiene Regulations 2009, while 79 notices, totalling RM46,600, were issued under the Food Regulations 1985,” he said in a statement today.
Dr Mohd Azman said that owners of food premises who failed to comply with the closure order were committing an offence and could, upon conviction, face imprisonment for up to five years, a fine, or both.
Dr Mohd Azman said that owners of food premises who failed to comply with the closure order were committing an offence and could, upon conviction, face imprisonment for up to five years, a fine, or both.
He added that owners and operators are responsible for maintaining cleanliness at their premises at all times and that those found not to comply with key cleanliness requirements had been given guidance to take corrective action to improve hygiene.
Despite that, he said cleanliness ratings did not reflect the actual situation of food outlets in Kelantan, as inspections had covered only 60 per cent of all premises.
He, however, warned that if premises owners still failed to comply with the corrective action instructions during subsequent visits, a closure order would be issued under Section 11 of the Food Act 1983.
Dr Mohd Azman also advised the public, particularly those visiting food premises in Kelantan, to choose outlets that observed proper hygiene.
-- BERNAMA
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