Kota Kinabalu: Warisan’s Api-Api Assemblyman Loi Kok Liang urged City Hall (DBKK) to consider seasonal and economic factors when enforcing hygiene regulations on food establishments.
He said he received complaints from several eatery operators who were ordered to close for 14 days under Section 11 of the Food Act 1983 for operating premises deemed unclean and in an unsanitary condition.
He said festive seasons, especially the Chinese New Year period, represent a critical income opportunity for many food operators struggling with current economic challenges.
“Many small and medium food businesses depend heavily on peak seasons to offset slower months. At present, operators are also managing rising operating costs, including SST obligations and recent electricity tariff adjustments,” he said.
He said while public health protection must remain paramount, timing and economic conditions should be factored in decisions.
He said inconsistencies in closure periods, noting that one outlet on the same street was allowed to resume operations after three days following prompt rectification of shortcomings.
“This indicates that certain issues can be resolved within a short timeframe,” he said, encouraging DBKK to clearly communicate the criteria used in determining closure periods and consider differentiated rectification timelines based on the severity of violations.
He proposed guidance, rectification and timely follow-up inspections for less severe cases, while maintaining firm closure orders for serious, repeated or wilful non-compliance.
Loi also called for closer coordination between DBKK and relevant agencies to address persistent environmental issues such as drainage blockages, improper waste disposal and rodent infestations.
