GEORGE TOWN, June 17 — A total of 177 food premises in Penang were ordered to close temporarily after inspections found breaches of hygiene and food safety regulations, according to State Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen.
The closures followed inspections of 4,069 premises by the Penang Health Department between January and April this year.
Of the affected premises, 122 cases involved pest infestations, 49 were linked to poor cleanliness standards and six were associated with food poisoning incidents.
Authorities also issued 1,771 notices under the Food Act 1983 and received 241 public complaints related to food premises.
Gooi stressed that enforcement actions are preventive rather than punitive and are carried out fairly regardless of the operator’s background to safeguard public health.
