The famous roti canai stall in Jalan Transfer, Penang has been ordered to close for two weeks after the authorities found that it has failed hygiene standards.
In a notice, the Food Safety and Quality Department from the Northeast District Health Office said the closure order was issued in accordance with Section 11 of the Food Act 1983 and was effective from 2 January until 16 January.
The owner was issued a RM500 compound for failing to send its workers for food-handling courses.
According to RTM, the department also found the premises’ hygiene standards were unsatisfactory, with faecal matter found on chicken eggs.
A drinks stall next to the roti canai outlet was also fined RM500 as the department found traces of cross-contamination in its ice storage unit.
The checks were conducted at 11 am on Monday (2 January) when the outlet was full of customers.
Harian Metro reported that during the operation, many people were by the hygiene issues or the presence of authorities and were still eager to eat there.
Stall owner apologises
Meanwhile, the stall owner, Shahjahan Abdul Hamid, said he would adhere to the closure order and apologised to the customers.
“My former workers have all returned to India. It’s this current batch of workers that I’m having a slight problem with,” he was quoted as saying.
Last week, a video alleging that workers at the roti canai stall did not adhere to proper hygiene practices in handling food went viral online.
This prompted social media users to called for the authorities to check the location.
Watch the video here:
Macam mana lah orang boleh makan sini bila pergi Penang? Telur ayam punya lah kotor, sikit pun dia tak basuh. Terus buat roti telur 🤢
— twt cctv (@twtcctv) December 30, 2022
📍 Roti Canai Transfer Road, Penang pic.twitter.com/3TDeZ5HaVg
