MBPJ shuts down four eateries

PETALING JAYA (Nov 26): Keep it clean or face the consequences. Local councils in many urban centres in the country are now cracking down on eateries, restaurants and stalls that do not meet cleanliness and hygiene standards.

In the latest development, Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) closed four restaurants in the city’s Section 17 area owing to “poor hygiene and the lack of business licence”, reported The Star.

Up to 17 compounds were slapped on food outlets during a “half-day operation” by MBPJ’s health department.

A council spokesman told the daily that “there were many complaints from the public on dirty eateries”.

Meanwhile, Bukit Gasing state assemblyman R Rajiv urged restaurant “operators not to wash dishes on the walkway” and follow strictly guidelines set by MBPJ.

Rajiv said he would help restaurant owners in Bukit Gasing clarify and learn about “the do’s and don’ts” of keeping clean.

“I can get the help of the council’s health department, visit the restaurants and explain the reasons why they are being issued summonses,” he added.

The same report by the daily also mentioned that Pasar Sentosa in Section 17 is now equipped with “a modern wastewater discharge method”.

With this system, wastewater released by the market traders is directed to a designated collection area where it is treated by a sewerage management company.

“This collection spot will be cleared every two hours and there are two staff members managing it.

“In the past, the wastewater from poultry sellers, for example, would go directly into the drains. Now, we have a system to discard this water properly,” Rajiv said.