SARIKEI: Two eateries in the division were ordered to close for two weeks by the Health Department because they were found to be infested with rats and cockroaches.
Ahmad (front left) and divisional food technologist Cheah Wei Yan (front right) inspect an eatery in Sarikei.
Health Department state environment health officer Ahmad Zaidi Ujang said the closure notices for the eateries in Bintangor and Julau were issued under Section 11 of the Food Act 1983.
He explained that the two weeks are for the operators to carry out cleaning work, after which another inspection would be held to determine if the operators have satisfactorily complied with specified health requirements and can resume business.
Ahmad said three other eateries – two in Sarikei and one in Julau – were issued compounds during the Clean Food Premises Operation carried out by a team of enforcement officers from the state and divisional Health Department on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The compounds were issued in accordance with Section 32B of the Food Cleanliness Regulations 2009 after they were found to have kept ice cubes and meat in the same place as well as uncovered waste bins.
As instructed by the Health Ministry, similar operations are to be conducted twice a month throughout the year.
The main objectives are to intensify enforcement of the Food Act 1983 and to create awareness among eatery operators and the public on the importance of clean premises to prevent food poisoning and the contamination of food by rats and cockroaches.