KOTA KINABALU: Five eateries in the state capital have been ordered to close for two weeks by the Health Department over hygiene and cleanliness problems.
Environment Health Officer (enforcement chief) Jamse Suladi said these eateries were among 36 outlets in Inanam Taipan, Inanam township and Inanam central inspected by enforcement personnel during a two-day operation beginning March 29.
“Five of the eateries have been ordered to close for business for offences under Section 11 of the Food Act 1983,” he said yesterday.
Suladi said the purpose of the operation was to ensure premises owners and operators comply with the rules on food preparations, equipment hygiene and cleanliness of the premises.
“A couple of premises had failed the prescribed standards that are required to open an eatery business.
“And some of the premises have also been found to have rodents and cockroaches running around, which are very dangerous for customers,” he said, adding that the purpose of the operation was not to take any legal action against the business operators but more towards educating them on food hygiene.