A NASI kandar operator in Chulia Street, Penang, was slapped with a RM250 compound for not using grease trap at the premises.
Four other hawker stalls – two each in Chulia Street and the Esplanade – were issued with a RM20 compound each for not cleaning their grease traps.
All the offenders were caught during an operation carried out by Penang Island City Council (MBPP) on Friday.
During the operation, 11 officers from the council’s licensing Department, led by city councillor Wong Yuee Harng, made surprise checks on 46 food stalls and shops in Chulia Street and Medan Renong Padang Kota Lama (Esplanade Food Court).
Wong said the nasi kandar operator had a grease trap but chose not to use it
Wong (grey shirt) and other council personnel from the Licensing Department carrying out an inspection in Chulia Street.
“Instead, the workers washed the utensils in a basin before discharging the dirty water into the drain.
“The operation is to create awareness about the importance of using grease traps at shops and stalls.
“If not, the waste could clog up the drains, resulting in flash floods,” he said, adding that the operation was carried out at hawker stalls in MBPP-owned premises and stalls with tagging issued by the council.
Wong said the council had prepared grease trap for stalls within the premises under the council, adding that private food stall operators should prepare their own grease traps.
“The grease trap needs to be cleaned every now and then.
An enforcement officer checking a grease trap under a basin.
“Any waste that is caught on the grease traps needs to be disposed off properly,” he said.
Also present was MBPP healthcare assistant officer Rohaydaa Ali.
