Pulau Tikus: The Penang City Council (MBPP) has ordered the closure of a food court in Pulau Tikus for 14 days, starting yesterday, after an inspection uncovered rat carcasses, as well as rat and cockroach droppings.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, a cleaning operation conducted at the food court-style coffee shop found unsatisfactory hygiene standards. The MBPP issued a closure order under Section 38(1) of the Food Establishment Act By-Laws 1991 due to the premises failing to meet the required cleanliness standards, along with the discovery of rat carcasses and droppings.

During the inspection, MBPP officers also found one of the rented stalls in a deteriorated state, emitting a foul odour. Officers from the council’s Licensing Department issued warnings and provided advisory services to the food court operator.

MBPP also recommended several remedial measures, including regular pest control, proper installation of oil traps, replacement of damaged stall roofs, and adherence to the ban on plastic straws. The statement emphasized that all food operators are urged to prioritize hygiene, particularly in kitchen areas, raw material storage, and oil trap maintenance, to ensure food safety for customers.