An ice processing plant in Taman Nagasari here had been ordered closed for 14 days after it was found to have neglected hygienic aspects and failed to comply with directives issued by the Penang Health Department.

Its deputy director (food security and quality division) Ku Nafishah Ku Ariffin said an inspection on the premises found the factory to be in filthy conditions and not maintained well.

“The sanitary conditions of the plant was found to be poor. The level of cleanliness is unsatisfactory, including the floors, walls and the environment as a whole.

“The factory had obtained 31 marks. We will close the premises if it obtains anything below 65 marks. The floors were found to be mossy, the sink was broken and there were cobwebs on the ceiling,” said Ku Nafishah.

The factory will now have to comply with the order and clean up its premises within 14 days. If it fails to comply, the order will be extended.

Ku Nafisah added, several ice processing plants operating without a license have also been identified.

He said, in the operation on all ice processing plants in Penang, 18 out of 20 premises were found to be operating without a license issued by the Ministry of Health (MoH).

A total of nine notices were issued to the factory under Section 32B Food Act 1983 with compounds totalling to RM22,500 and another eight compounds by the Penang and Seberang Perai City Councils (MPPP and MPSP) with compounds totalling RM1,900.

The operation involved 65 officers including those from the state health department, MPPP and MPSP.

Ku Nafisah said the operation will be carried out from time to time to ensure cleanliness at fodd premises are satisfactory.