Public Urged to Report Illegal Operations as Two Penang Factories Ordered to Close

BALIK PULAU – The Penang Health Department has ordered the closure of two food processing factories, a shrimp paste processing factory and a soy sauce factory, for two weeks due to severe unhygienic conditions and breaches of food safety standards.

The Food Safety and Quality Division (BKKM) of the department issued four compounds amounting to RM10,000 to the operators during a recent operation, said Environmental Health Officer Mohd Wazir Khalid.

During a raid on the shrimp paste factory in Pantai Acheh at 10 am, shocking practices were uncovered. The factory, which has been in operation for over 50 years, stored old, maggot-infested shrimp paste alongside fresh paste. Some expired paste, labeled to expire in 2024, was being prepared for sale to suppliers. The factory was also found to be using a fake halal logo.

“This factory was raided in 2019 for the same offence but has failed to improve its standards,” said Mohd Wazir in a press conference.

Similarly, inspections at a soy sauce factory in Jalan Batu Maung revealed unsanitary conditions. Health officers found rat droppings on the floor and cobwebs inside soybean fermentation containers.

The factory owner has been directed to engage an accredited pest control company and improve cleanliness immediately. Both factories have been served with 14-day closure notices under Section 11 of the Food Act 1983, effective immediately.

Authorities are urging the public, especially local staff, to report illegal operations or unhygienic practices at any factory, particularly those involving foreign operators. Such reports are critical to safeguarding public health and ensuring food safety standards are upheld.

“Public awareness is vital to curb these illegal activities. Workers should come forward with information about factories violating regulations, as this will help protect consumers and improve industry standards,” Mohd Wazir added.

The Penang Health Department reiterates its commitment to conducting inspections and taking strict action against any premises that endanger public health.