MPAJ says 90% of food handlers are not obeying the ruling. — Filepic
THIRTY-SEVEN food and beverage (F&B) handlers in Ampang Jaya, Selangor, have been fined RM1,000 each for not wearing face masks since enforcement of the state government’s ruling began in July this year.
The compounds were issued by Ampang Jaya Municipal Council’s (MPAJ) Licensing Department officers under the Trade, Business and Industrial Licensing By-Law (MPAJ) 2007 between July 1 and Aug 25.
MPAJ president Dr Ani Ahmad said that although there was a slight improvement, compliance with the ruling was still low.
“Most food handlers at franchise restaurants obey the ruling but this is not the case at smaller eateries.
“We have no choice but to enforce the ruling as it is now part of conditions for issuing business licences,” said Ani.
She said MPAJ would continue advising food handlers on the need to wear face masks.
“Once they are aware that this is to ensure food safety and increase hygiene standards, this (wearing of face masks) will become a habit.”
StarMetro previously reported that as high as 90% of F&B operators were not wearing face masks despite Selangor government’s ruling to mask up on Jan 1.
MPAJ gave food handlers a six-month grace period until June before initiating enforcement action.
It was previously reported that the council’s enforcement team of 280 had some 800 restaurants and 5,000 petty food traders to oversee in the municipality.
The mask ruling applies to all food handlers including cooks, waiters and hawkers.
This requirement was included as part of the licence renewal condition for F&B operators starting this year.
