Penang health authorities order closure of three nasi kandar restaurants

KUALA LUMPUR (July 13): The Pearl of the Orient is known all over the globe for its great food but some food vendors there have failed to keep their hygiene standards recently.

Three nasi kandar restaurants in George Town’s Little India have been made to close for two weeks after they failed to meet Penang Health Department hygiene and health standards.

The Star reported that the restaurants were instructed to close “with immediate effect” when pest droppings were discovered in their premises, while their fridges were found to be dirty during an inspection by the department. One restaurant had dirty plates piled up next to dustbins.

Penang Health Director Dr Wan Mansor Hamzah told The Star that “if the eateries manage to prove that their premises are clean within the two weeks, then they can be given permission to resume business ahead of time”.

But he also warned that the closure will be extended by an additional two weeks if any of the restaurants fail to meet the hygiene and health requirements.