MELAKA: A well-known shop selling spring rolls (popiah) here has been ordered to close immediately after authorities found the cleanliness of the food preparation area to be unsatisfactory.
In addition to a dirty kitchen which had rodent droppings, ingredients for food preparation were left exposed and some even placed next to a garbage bin.
The closure order was issued during an operation by the state health department last night.
State Health, Human Resources and Unity Committee chairman Datuk Ngwe Hee Sem said enforcement officers found that the premises showed a complete disregard for cleanliness standards.
"The premises have been ordered to close for 14 days following our inspection, which revealed that food was being prepared on the floor and raw materials were placed next to a garbage bin.
"Furthermore, wet tofu was found on the floor, and the spring roll wrapping area had materials that could contaminate the food.
"Our inspection also found that all workers were not wearing proper attire while handling food, and female workers were wearing noticeable jewellery," he said after participating in an integrated enforcement operation under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852).
In addition, Ngwe stated that five notices totalling RM1,600 were issued by the department to the shop owner.
"The spring roll shop was one of 24 food premises inspected in the Melaka Tengah district, but only three were ordered to close to allow for cleaning to take place.
"Besides the spring roll premises, two others were also ordered to close due to unsatisfactory cleanliness levels, specifically breakfast stalls.
"Actions were taken under Section 11 of the Food Act 1983," he said.
During the operation, a total of 56 notices under the Food Hygiene Regulations (FHR) 2009 were issued, with a proposed compound value of RM16,200.
"I would like to remind premise operators to always maintain cleanliness, especially since Melaka is a tourist state," he said.