Eatery in popular mall ordered to close

Eatery in popular mall ordered closed for a week

A RESTAURANT in Mid Valley Megamall was forced to close for a week by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) after its premises was found to be unhygienic and prone to contamination.

DBKL health department director Dr Sallehudin Abu Bakar, who headed the operation was appalled by the condition of the restaurant.

“The restaurant was crowded with patrons but there were cockroaches and rats in the kitchen and the food items were not covered. It was disgusting.

“The refrigerator was also in a bad condition. On top of that, raw and cooked food were kept in the same compartment,” he said.

Dr Sallehudin said three tins containing used cooking oil were found near the wok and he suspected that the oil was “recycled” in cooking for added flavour.

“Used oil should not be used at all as it is carcinogenic and can cause cancer,” he said.

He added that the kitchen floor was wet and slippery, and the ceiling covered with dirty oil stains due to poor ventilation system.

A check on the workers revealed that all 21 of them have had their typhoid injections. However, they were not properly attired.

“Some of them rushed to put on their headgear when we stepped into the restaurant. Typhoid injection is only a prevention against the disease from being disseminated to customers. Restaurateurs still need to ensure cleanliness to minimise the spread of bacteria.

“Some customers were also seen smoking in the non-smoking area,” Dr Sallehudin said.

The restaurant was given one week to clean up, carry out repair works and engage a pest control company to get rid of pests.

“Customers have rights and must demand their right to clean food. We should not tolerate this kind of service.

“If we find a strand of hair in the food, we should not remove it and continue eating. Just return it and ask for a new one.

“This year we mean business. This is the ‘Year of Enforcement’. We will not be lenient because we want changes. We will act upon complaints,” he said, adding that checks on food outlets would be held from time to time.

-News courtesy of The Star-