PASIR GUDANG: A restaurant owner in Taman Scientex, here, came under fire after footage of worms in a customer's kai lan dish went viral.
The now-deleted TikTok clip, which is still available on YouTube, received widespread attention, It showed a patron questioning the establishment's hygiene standards.
The restaurant operator, however, brushed off the issue, claiming it was "common" and "unavoidable".
He was heard in the 110-second recording saying: "It's not just you; we too encountered it ourselves. Sometimes, despite washing, vegetables are not entirely clean. While it's my mistake, we've done our best."
His response drew criticism from netizens, many of whom found the explanation unacceptable and unprofessional.
Calls for stricter hygiene enforcement followed the viral backlash.
The clip came to the attention of the state Health Department.
Its director, Dr Mohtar Pungut @ Ahmad, said the complaints were taken seriously.
On Dec 3, health inspectors conducted an on-site investigation and found that the restaurant had failed to meet hygiene requirements as stipulated by the Food Hygiene Regulations 2009 under the Food Act 1983.
Three notices under Section 32B of the Food Hygiene Regulations were issued to the restaurant's proprietor.
A Cleanliness Work Order under Section 10 of the Food Act mandating that the establishment rectify the issues was also issued.
Dr Mohtar said the Health Department will continue to monitor the situation to ensure compliance with food safety laws to prevent similar incidents in the future.
"It is important that that good food hygiene is practiced, while all food handlers must adhere strictly to the stipulated regulations," he said.
He also advised the public to practice an "observe and choose" system when selecting restaurants, and to patronise only those that displayed a Clean and Safe Certification issued by the Health Ministry.
The certification is awarded to food premises that comply with established standards and regulations.