Datu Dr Penguang Manggil

SIBU: Operators of eateries in the state with cleanliness rating below B grade risk facing tough actions if they fail to buck up and improve.

Assistant Minister of Local Government Datu Dr Penguang Manggil said among the actions that may be taken against them is not renewing their licences.

Recently, Local Government and Housing Public Health Division head Dr Cheong Yaw Liang said registered food premises in the state must achieve at least a Grade B cleanliness rating by December next year.

He said the move was part of action plans in 2018 for Local Key Result Areas on clean food outlets for which a simple teaching kit on food handling is being considered for eatery owners upon renewal of their licences.

He was reported to have said this during the recent Focal Person (Public Health) meeting at Sibu Rural District Council office which was attended by 24 environmental health officers and assistant environmental health officers from across the state.

Meanwhile, Penguang said his ministry was also implementing star rating for public toilets.

“What we can do is to expand the scope or coverage to include all eateries,” he added.
Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC) chairman Sempurai Petrus Ngelai, on the other hand, said they encouraged food premises with C Grade to improve.

“My council has already assigned councillor Kong Chek King to head a committee to lay out programmes for next year to improve the rating.”

According to him, there are around 80 eateries under SRDC’s jurisdiction which encompasses Sibu Jaya township, Selangau bazaar, Kemunyang and small shop houses in Rantau Panjang area.

“Currently, we are focusing on the food eateries. As for the night market, we’re working with the Health Department on food sampling and hygienic handling of food,” he said.