DAP man continues to question prompt reopening of fast food outlet

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KUCHING: A Democratic Action Party (DAP) man continues to question whether a day is sufficient for a thorough clean-up by a food outlet, which has been issued with a temporary closure notice due to having less-than-satisfactory hygiene level.

Special assistant to Bandar Kuching MP and state DAP chairman Chong Chieng Jen, Dr Kelvin Yii argues about whether or not the ‘standard procedures’ outlined under the Health Ministry (MoH), as mentioned by state Health Department director Dr Jamilah Hashim, include proper elimination of pests such as rats and cockroaches.

He was referring to the reopening of a fast food outlet at Jalan Tun Ahmad Zaidi Adruce here on Thursday, in just a day after it was ordered by the divisional Health Office to close down for two weeks.

“Based on Dr Jamilah’s reply, both the authorities and the operator followed the standard procedures stated under Section 10(3) and (4) of the Food Act 1983, which requires the proprietor to request an inspection by an authorised officer in writing to the director and officer authorised by him.

“Only after the request is made, then an authorised officer would inspect the premises within a certain period after the receipt of the request by the director or the officer authorised by him – then if proven satisfactory, a certificate to that effect would be issued.

“In this case, it was all done within the timespan of less than 24 hours. As much as I commend the efficiency shown by the relevant authority, is the said cleaning process in such a short time sufficient in satisfying the criteria set by MoH?

“If there were chemicals used during the cleaning, has it been properly cleared out, making it safe for public exposure and food consumption in the said area?” Dr Yii said in a press statement yesterday.

Dr Yii believed that the recommended temporary closure of 14 days had been put in place for specific reasons, elaborating that the two-week period should provide adequate time for a thorough clean-up and proper re-inspection.

“Public health and safety trump any business or even political interest. The ministry holds the responsibility to instil confidence in the public that health and safety guidelines are properly adhered to and no special treatment is afforded to those who may have people in high places and with high authority,” he added.

On Friday, Dr Jamilah said the reopening of the fast food outlet followed the standard procedures outlined by the ministry, as far as compliance with hygiene and food safety was concerned.

“On Dec 14, the Health team inspected the premises and found that all requirements under the clean-up order had been adhered to, and that the Health officers were satisfied with the actions taken by the operator. As such, the operator was allowed to reopen the premises,” she was quoted as having said.

On Wednesday, the fast food restaurant was issued with a closure notice under Section 11 of the Food Act 1983, after Health officials found that its level of hygiene and cleanliness was not satisfactory.