Dr Samuil (centre) leads the operation which doubles up as on-the-job training for the staff.
KUCHING: Five restaurants in Limbang were issued compound notices under the Food Hygiene Regulations (FHR) 2009 during enforcement operations carried out by State Health Department.
The two-day operation held earlier this week and led by principal environment health officer Dr Samuil-Ashton Satu, also ordered one of the restaurants to clean up its kitchen and ensure hygienic and sanitary conditions.
Dr Samuil said the operation specifically focused on inspection of food premises under the Food Act 1983 and its regulations, especially the FHR 2009.
This operation was also part of an On-Job-Workshop on enforcement of the FHR 2009 for Limbang Division.
“In the short span of time allocated for the operation as part of on-the-job training, one kitchen of a restaurant in Limbang town which was found not complying with the requirements of the FHR 2009 was ordered under Section 10 of Food Act 1983 to be cleaned up until in hygienic and sanitary conditions.
“This included fixing up tiles of impervious, non-absorbent, washable and non-toxic materials for the wall surfaces, as well as repair the dilapidated ceiling and floor surfaces to be adequately drained within 60 days,” said Dr Samuil, who is also principal assistant director (Inspectorate and Legal Section) of the Public Health Department.
He explained the compound notices were issued to the five proprietors or owners under Regulation 11 for failing to comply with the general duties of a proprietor of food premises.
Another six food handlers were compounded under Regulation 32 for not wearing clean and proper clothing, apron, head gear and footwear or Regulation 33 for being personally unhygienic like having long fingernails, wearing jewellery or other accessories.
He explained the partial closure of the premises or improvement order under Section 10 of Food Act 1983, particularly to the kitchen was for 60 days until September 25 as requested by the proprietor.
“The proprietor was advised to carry out renovation work after operation at night and the responsible authorized officer at Divisonal Health Office, Limbang would monitor the work from time to time as scheduled,” he said.
On his advice to consumers, Dr Samuil called on them to report to the Health Department, local authorities or Ministry of Health if they come across any dirty food premises, food unfit for human consumption or food adulterated or not of the nature, substance or quality demanded.
“Do not patronise dirty food premises.
“This is to maintain customer’s rights to clean food premises which produce wholesome food for human consumption,” he said.
The unsanitary condition in one of the compounded restaurants.
Rusty knives found in one of the restaurants.