PETALING JAYA: Dirty eateries and unhygienic practices in restaurants and food processing factories have come under the spotlight, with more of such incidents being reported nationwide.
Making matters worse are allegations of workers spitting in certain restaurants – as videos taken by the public went viral.
In the latest incident, City Hall inspected a nasi kandar restaurant in Kuala Lumpur following allegation that a worker was caught on video spitting while attending to a customer.
The restaurant was slapped with six fines for several offences.
This led to scrutiny by the City Hall on the branches of the restaurant for hygiene and food safety.
The inspection also found that the workers were not administered typhoid vaccination as required by law.
In previous months, several messages were circulated on social media alleging of spitting incidents at restaurants, although these could not be fully substantiated.
As a result, many Malaysians are not taking any chances and have decided not to patronise these restaurants until they are assured of clean food and hygienic practices.
Several large restaurant owners, when contacted, said they do not condone such acts and they do not occur at their outlets.
Original Penang Kayu Nasi Kandar managing director Burhan Mohamed said close monitoring of restaurant workers by their employers, coupled with constant reminders of observing hygiene, is essential.
He said restaurant owners should regularly brief and remind their workers to maintain high standards of hygiene and not indulge in practices that are unacceptable in Malaysia.
He said diners are paying customers and it is their right to be served food that is prepared in a clean environment free from contaminants.
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“The Covid-19 pandemic has taught us much. Since then, everyone is very particular of their surroundings and expect cleanliness all the time.
“We often remind our workers of this and until this day they are required to wear face masks,” he said.
Burhan said in order to keep a close watch on his workers, his restaurants have strategically placed CCTVs, including in the kitchen and food storage areas.
“This is mainly to ensure hygiene and all sanitation procedures are observed by our workers. Apart from restaurants, other places such as supermarkets or grocery stores should also observe cleanliness.
“At times we find dozens of customers picking up fruits or vegetables with their bare hands at these places and replace them after picking those of their choice.
“The items can end up being handled by a dozen hands before someone else buys it.
“Imagine the contamination which may take place on these items. Hence, the store owners should prohibit such handling,” he said.
Burhan said the public should also evaluate eateries for cleanliness before patronising the place.
“At times, food might cost more at some restaurants but if it is clean and well maintained it is well worth your money.
“It is far better than patronising an eatery with cheaper food but is dirty and puts us at risk of suffering food poisoning,” he said.
Malaysian Indian Restaurant Owners Association (Primas) president Datuk J. Govindasamy @ Suresh said members of his association are constantly advised to keep an eye on their workers for unhygienic practices and take stern action against them.
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“We are in the food business where hygiene is paramount as failing to do so can lead to the spread of diseases.
“When it comes to cleanliness, we should never compromise and ensure it is of a high standard,” he said.
Lawyer Siti Kasim said the authorities should take the matter seriously and not let off restaurant operators caught for offences related to hygiene such as spitting with a small fine.
“It is very unhygienic and it can spread diseases.
“The authorities must come down hard on those caught doing this and mete out a harsher punishment, not merely issuing them with a light fine.
“It does not send out a strong message to the wrongdoers and others that such acts will not be tolerated.
“Perhaps impose a high fine that hits the offender hard. We have very extensive laws but many do not seem to be put to good use,” she said.
However, Siti said it is wrong to stereotype all mamak restaurants as being dirty or unhygienic.
Admitting she is a regular patron of mamak restaurants like many Malaysians, she said there are many such eateries that prepare food ethically and kept their premises neat, tidy and clean.
