KOTA KINABALU: Authorities have taken decisive action to shut down 12 food premises in the city centre following inspections that revealed nine of them were plagued by serious pest infestations, including rats and cockroaches.
This enforcement action stems from the Integrated Operation for Food Act 1983 and Tobacco Product Control Act for Public Health 2024 (Act 852), executed by the Kota Kinabalu District Health Office last Wednesday.
The operation, involving 56 personnel, concentrated its efforts across Asia City, Bandaran Berjaya, Api-Api, and Warisan Square.
Inspectors examined 62 premises in total, comprising 56 restaurants, four kiosks or stalls, and two bakeries.
Of the 12 premises ordered to close, nine were found to have critical pest infestation problems, while three others failed to meet hygiene inspection standards, scoring below 65 per cent.
Additionally, authorities issued 42 compound notices for various violations, including inadequate premise cleanliness, insufficient pest control measures, improper waste management, poor food handler hygiene, and improper food storage practices.
Regarding Act 852 enforcement, eight Form 2 Notices were issued, with no seizures recorded
