SMC inspects eight food premises, issues notices over cleanliness violations

Posted on 16 Jul 2025
Source of News: The Borneo Post (Conny Banji)

Yiing (second left) seen with SMC officers during an inspection at one of the food premises.Yiing (second left) seen with SMC officers during an inspection at one of the food premises.

SIBU (July 16): Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) conducted inspections at eight food premises along Jalan Chengal and Jalan Lanang yesterday to ensure compliance with cleanliness standards.

The inspection was led by SMC Public Health, Environment and Services Standing Committee chairman Councillor Yiing Sy Huat and committee member Councillor Jenny Ting, along with several other councillors and SMC officers.

Yiing said four premises were issued notices for various offences, including unsatisfactory cleanliness, failure to provide air fresheners in toilets, and storing unused items on the premises.

“In addition, five premises were subject to seizure action for using plastic straws, which remain prohibited. Another four premises had their old, chipped, rusty, and broken cooking utensils confiscated,” he said.

The inspection also found several other hygiene-related violations, such as failure to store food items on platforms or shelves, poorly maintained grease trap systems, and the absence of food strainers.

Yiing added that some traders were still using rusty cooking equipment at their stalls, and they had been instructed to replace them immediately.

“We will continue to take strict action against any food premises that fail to comply with hygiene and food safety standards to safeguard public health.

“This operation will continue from time to time in an effort to ensure a clean and safe food business environment for the public,” he said.