The Penang State Health Department recently conducted a surprise inspection along the famed Kimberley Street, also known as Shantou Street, resulting in the temporary closure of at least five eateries for failing to comply with hygiene standards.
According to China Press, one of the affected establishments was Restoran Kimberly Kuan Kee, the popular duck porridge and kueh chap stall widely regarded as one of the “Four Kings” of the iconic Shantou Street night market.
The 50-year-old business was ordered to cease operations immediately at 8pm after inspectors found that it had failed to meet regulatory requirements under Section 11 of the Food Act 1983.
Restoran Kimberly Kuan Kee, along with four other eateries on the street, was instructed to suspend operations for 14 days to carry out cleaning and rectification works following the enforcement operation on Wednesday, 17 June.
As Kimberley Street is a well-known tourist hotspot and the inspection took place during the busy dinner rush, many diners and visitors watched the raid unfold with surprise.
Operators Urged to Uphold Hygiene Standards
One chicken feet kuey chap soup stall owner expressed the view that the Health Department’s spot checks are not necessarily a negative development. According to the operator, maintaining basic hygiene standards should be a fundamental responsibility for all food businesses.
Taking into account diners’ expectations for clean and safe dining environments, he said he would be comfortable with inspections being conducted once or twice a year, although he hoped they would not become overly frequent.
He also stated that he would be willing to accept fines for minor hygiene-related offences if necessary.
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