Warning sign: Health officers putting up a notice of closure at one of the factories in Tawau.
Three tonnes of foodstuff also confiscated prior to closures
KOTA KINABALU: Four food processing factories in Tawau have been ordered to shut down for two weeks after rat droppings were found there.
Three tonnes of processed foodstuff were confiscated from the factories during inspections under the Food Safety Assurance Programme by Tawau health personnel on Thursday.
Tawau health officer Dr Shameer Khan Sulaiman said the factories were found to be in an unhygienic state, breaching Section 32B of the Food Act 1983.
“We made the decision for the factories to close immediately for 14 days because of the rat droppings and poor level of cleanliness at the premises.
“The factories also did not have the Makanan Selamat Tanggungjawab Industri (MeSTI) certification although they have been operating for some time,” he said.
He added that the foodstuff was seized as it did not meet with food safety requirements.
“We will monitor the factories to ensure that they do not violate the order.
“They can apply to the Tawau Health Office to be allowed to resume operations, but they must obtain the MeSTI certification first so that they can follow the necessary health procedures,” said Dr Shameer.
He said a total of 16 premises were checked over the three-day operation, with 15 compounds issued.
The operation was aimed at ensuring food cleanliness and safety and compliance with the Food Act.
“I appeal to all suppliers and factories to follow the regulations for the safety of all,” said Dr Shameer.
