ABOUT half of the eateries in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, received a score of 86% and above when evaluated on cleanliness and food hygiene.
Petaling Jaya mayor Mohamad Zahri Samingon said 317 premises out of the 623 food premises inspected by Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) officers from January to July received a grade “A” rating.
“Of that number, 73 food outlets were ordered to close due to poor sanitation practices and for operating without licence.
“Cleanliness of food premises is important to ensure the quality, taste and freshness of the food.
“It is important to ensure food for public consumption is clean and safe,” he said.
On tree maintenance, Mohamad Zahri said MBPJ was in the midst of drawing up a plan to monitor the health of trees under its purview, especially those that posed a risk to public safety.
He said tree monitoring had been carried out periodically or when the need arose, but there was a need for routine checks following the recent cases of trees falling during downpours in the Klang Valley.
“We had a workshop on Aug 13 with stakeholders, including arborists and councillors, and have come up with several guidelines to manage trees at risk in the city.
“The guidelines will, among others, ensure trees at risk are identified and managed well to avoid accidents or damage to properties.
“This action can reduce our legal and compensation claims,” said Mohamad Zahri.
“We have also decided that relevant council staff must undergo continuous training on tree and landscape management using latest technology available.”
Mohamad Zahri added that MBPJ had outlined procedures to manage at-risk trees in a more systematic and efficient manner.
“The procedure includes steps on how to identify trees that are at risk, analysing risks involved and action that needs to be taken,” said Mohamad Zahri at a press conference after chairing MBPJ’s full board meeting.
On the issue of dengue, he said 133 cases were recorded between July 7 and 13, bringing the total number of cases recorded between January and mid-July to 4,220 cases.
“There is a 1% decrease compared to the previous week.
“However, one dengue-related death was recorded this year, at Apartment Permai in Damansara Damai in May.”
