GEORGE TOWN: Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow today said the recent closure of several food outlets in the state is a reminder to food operators to maintain high standards of cleanliness, as such incidents could mar the state's image.
He said health authorities would order the closure of stalls belonging to food operators who did not comply with hygiene regulations.
"All food operators and organisations must prioritise cleanliness, not only for their own reputation, but also for Penang's image.
"We must not undermine the confidence of visitors in our food establishments, as the food industry is an important economic sector for Penang as we become more and more popular.
"Maintaining cleanliness will help outlets enjoy better business and allow the state to promote itself as a food haven."
He was commenting on the two-week closure of three food premises in Tanjung Bunga on Thursday after they were found to be unhygienic.
During checks by the Penang Island City Council, officers found rat droppings in all three premises. The premises also did not have scheduled pest control and failed to maintain their grease traps, which resulted in blocked drainage.
Last month, dozens of cockroaches found inside food storage racks led to several stalls at the New World Park food court at Jalan Burma, here, being slapped with a 14-day closure notice.
Other premises were found to have food handlers using dirty towels and greasy, blackened cooking equipment.