GEORGE TOWN: Three food and beverage establishments on the island here were ordered to close for one week for violating the standard operating procedure (SOP) for epidemic prevention.
Penang Island City Council, in a statement issued to the New Straits Times, said checks by its officers showed there was absence of physical distancing in all the three premises.
"As such, we have ordered the three premises to be closed for one week beginning today until next Saturday (Aug 29).
"Action was taken under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342) against operators of the three premises," it said.
The council also said two other premises - an eatery in Jalan Transfer and another convenience store franchise chain in Jalan Burma - were each served with an enforcement notice and a final warning for cleanliness issue as well as for violating the SOP.
"We advised all premises on the island to strengthen their adherence to the SOP.
"For the three premises, they will be allowed to operate after monitoring and re-assessment by the council, to see if they are able to adhere to the conditions set," it added.
Meanwhile, Hameediyah Restaurant had taken to its official Facebook page to announce its temporary closure to improve on the SOP.
During the operation today, the team of council officers also slapped a mini mart at Jalan Gurdwara with a two-week closure notice after they found rat droppings in the outlet.
The officers also seized fresh fish and prawns sold at the outlet although they had been warned not to sell such produce.