Over 5,000 Food Premises Inspected In Melaka, Nearly 2,000 Notices Issued

MELAKA, Dec 1 (Bernama) -- The state Health Department inspected 5,787 food premises across Melaka, issuing 1,939 cleanliness violation notices between Jan 1 and Nov 22.

State Health, Human Resources and Unity Committee chairman Datuk Ngwe Hee Sem said the cleanliness notices, resulting in fines amounting to RM260,475, were issued under the Food Hygiene Regulations 2009, while 77 food premises were ordered to close for 14 days under Section 11 of the Food Act 1983.

“Based on the statistics, the number of premises inspected and the number of notices issued, it is evident that the cleanliness level of food premises in the state is unsatisfactory, with one in five premises failing to meet the hygiene standards set by the Health Ministry.

“Premises ordered to close include hotel kitchens, restaurants, shops and school canteens, where rat droppings, cockroach infestations and overall hygiene levels were found to be below the required standards,” he told reporters here today.

He said this after officiating the Clean and Safe (BeSS) recognition ceremony, which was also attended by state Health director Dr Ruzita Mustaffa.

Ngwe advised consumers to remain vigilant about food safety when dining out and encouraged everyone to adopt the ‘Observe and Choose’ principle, selecting premises that display good hygiene practices, comply with regulations, and have been awarded BeSS Recognition as an added assurance.

Meanwhile, he said 91 food premises in the state received BeSS recognition between Jan 1 and Oct 31, comprising 15 school canteens and 76 other food outlets, with the BeSS validity period lasting three years.

“From 2023 until Oct 31 this year, a total of 191 food premises received BeSS recognition, with all premises scoring at least 86 per cent in hygiene inspections.

“Other mandatory criteria include registration with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM), registration in the Food Information System of Malaysia, possession of a valid licence from the local authority, and completion of anti-typhoid vaccinations and Food Handler Training Courses for all food handlers,” he said.

He added that the BeSS recognition not only reflects a premise’s commitment to food safety but also boosts customer confidence in the quality of food and beverages served.

Earlier at the event, 26 ZUS Coffee outlets in Melaka received BeSS recognition.

-- BERNAMA