A tomyam restaurant in Bemban has come under scrutiny after enforcement officers discovered a dead rat beside a refrigerator used to store raw food ingredients during a cleanliness inspection.
The shocking discovery was made during Ops Santap, a special operation conducted by the Hang Tuah Jaya Municipal Council (MPHTJ), targeting food premises in the Batu Berendam and Bemban areas.
MPHTJ President Datuk Sapiah Haron described the condition of the restaurant as dirty and unhygienic, raising serious concerns over food safety standards at the establishment.
According to her, officers from the Licensing Department and Enforcement Department found the rat carcass next to a refrigerator containing raw ingredients at the premises located in Taman Bemban Utama.
The inspection also revealed that the restaurant had failed to comply with several cleanliness requirements imposed by the local authority.
“Food hygiene and safety must always be a top priority for all food operators. Findings such as these are extremely concerning,” Sapiah said.
Further checks uncovered a history of repeated offences involving the restaurant. Records showed that the premises had previously been issued 24 compounds for various violations.
Of that total, 12 compounds have already been settled, while the remaining 12 are still outstanding and are currently being pursued by MPHTJ’s enforcement and security team.
The operation was carried out as part of ongoing efforts by the local authority to ensure food business operators comply with licensing conditions and public health regulations.
Sapiah said most of the compounds issued during the latest inspections were related to breaches of licence requirements and operational regulations.
Food hygiene remains a critical concern for authorities, particularly at eateries serving large numbers of customers, as poor sanitation practices can increase the risk of food contamination and health hazards.
MPHTJ stressed that inspections and enforcement activities will continue regularly to ensure business premises maintain proper hygiene standards and provide a safe environment for consumers.
The council also warned food operators to take cleanliness seriously or risk facing further enforcement action.
