Ab Rauf Yusoh Facebook picture.
MELAKA: Sixteen eateries have been ordered to be closed in the state since the beginning of the year for not complying with the minimum standard of cleanliness, said Melaka Chief Minister.
Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said punitive actions were taken against the operators of restaurants and stalls according to the Food Act 1983 and various subsections under the same regulation.
"The state Health Department had also conducted checks on 4,117 eateries between Jan to May of this year.
"The state government is also encouraging more checks at eateries in an aim to uphold the health, safety, and quality of food," he said after launching a new menu of a popular restaurant at a shopping complex here on Wednesday (June 26).
Ab Rauf noted that food safety is an essential component of a sustainable tourism industry.
Hence, he said the quality of food must be safeguarded as it's an essential element of successful tourism.
"Food safety and satisfactory hygiene levels will also have a positive impact on the state as a gastronomic destination," he added.
Ab Rauf said the state government is also optimistic that the clean and appealing environment, premises cleanliness grading as well as recognition of "clean and safe” food establishments (BeSS) outreach programme by the Health Ministry will benefit the food and beverage industry in the state.
On a separate note, the Chief Minister said that Melaka is leading in terms of tourist arrivals compared to other states that had launched the 2024 Visit Year.
Ab Rauf said 6.3mil tourists were registered to visit various holiday destinations here from January to June, making Melaka the top state in achieving tourist arrival targets.
The other states that implemented 2024 Visit Year are Perak, Perlis and Kelantan.
