Any battle — big or small — is worth it if it’s against cockroaches.
And Petaling Jaya city council (MBPJ) has reportedly stepped forward with its army of health and hygiene inspectors to inspect eateries in the city for the presence of these critters.
According to a report by The Star Online‘s Edward Rajendra, the council’s Health and Environment Department has closed 34 restaurants and stalls in the first six months of the year for cleaning and fumigation.
“Our Health Department has been vigilant and taken strict measures on cleanliness at food outlets. We will not compromise on hygiene standards. MBPJ will close food outlets that flout health regulations,” Petaling Jaya mayor Mohd Azizi Mohd Zain was quoted as saying.
Selangor Health, Welfare, Women and Family Affairs committee chairman Dr Daroyah Alwi told the news site that regular inspections could not reveal the extent of cockroach infestation issues, as the pests — nasty and cunning as they are — would hide during the day (ugh!)
“Our senior health inspectors, who have more experience, are able to find the telltale signs of cockroach infestation by looking for its excreta in closed kitchen cabinets or drawers where the utensils are kept. Even one cockroach is a critical health violation that could make a person sick or develop a skin rash,” she was quoted as saying.
“We have advised all Health Departments in the 12 local authorities to ensure food outlet owners conduct thorough cleaning on a regular basis coupled with pest control treatment so that the insects do not proliferate again,” she reportedly said adding that health inspectors at various local councils in the state have been on their rounds in food courts.
Recently, a restaurant in Seremban was ordered to close temporarily after one of its diners was served a roti canai with a cockroach inside.
If you’re in Kuala Lumpur and have seen a dirty eatery, send a text to the City Hall. More here.
