ALOR STAR: The Kedah Health Department has ordered 18 eateries in Kota Star, Baling and Sik districts to close temporarily for failing hygiene inspection.
Its deputy director Dr Norizan Ahmad said the eateries were among those slapped with a temporary shutdown order after failing to achieve above 75 per cent hygiene assessment scores during 'Ops Bersepadu' on Wednesday.
"During the operation, a total 174 premises in the three districts were inspected and 164 notices were issued under the Food Hygiene Regulations, with compounds amounting to RM66,150.
"A total of 18 premises have been slapped with a temporary closure order for failing to achieve more than 75 per cent of the hygiene assessment score, and one premises was found to have cockroach, flies and rats infestation," she said in a statement.
Dr Norizan added that the department has also issued 31 compounds amounting to RM7,800 for offences under the Control of Tobacco Product Regulations 2004.
"Out of the 31 notices, 21 compounds were issued against those smoking in eateries, which included e-cigarettes and vapes; eight notices for failing to put up the 'No Smoking' sign; one case of underage smoking; and one notice for selling cigarettes to a minor," she said.
Dr Norizan said three restaurants were slapped with compounds not exceeding RM1,500 after mosquito breeding spots were found in their premises.
She said more than 200 officers and personnel from the state Health Department, local councils and Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry were involved in the raids.
