SMC to clean up CBD starting with coffee shops

0

Ting (centre) is seen at the press conference. On her left is SMC Public Health, Environment and Municipal Services Standing Committee vice-chairperson Jenny Ting.

SIBU: The Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) is determined to clean up the central business district (CBD) starting with its coffee shops.

Public Health, Environment and Municipal Services Standing Committee chairperson Rhoda Ting said this is to ensure the CBD is safe, beautiful, and vibrant.

She told a press conference yesterday that there are currently 753 licensed tea and coffee outlets in the area.

Out of these, only 12 per cent have been ranked Grade A and they are encouraged to renew their licenses for next year from Nov 1 to Dec 31.

Coffee shops ranked below Grade A would need to be inspected first before they could renew their licenses for 2020.

Ting stressed that all eateries must abide by the health and licensing requirements such as drainage and waste disposal; toilet cleanliness and maintenance; lime washing; five-footway clearance and safety; and renewal of license.

She warned operators who contravened any condition stipulated would have their licenses to operate food premises suspended or revoked under Section 145(1) of the Local Authorities Ordinance, 1996 (Chapter 20).

Ting said 124 shophouses have been served with notices for lime washing and rank vegetation within the CBD area from Kampung Datu to Mission Road.

The 63 per cent uncompliant licensees have been told to implement lime washing by the end of this year.