'Asam Pedas' restaurant ordered to close for two weeks after worms found in dish

MELAKA, July 2 (Bernama) -- An "Asam Pedas" restaurant here was ordered to close for two weeks from yesterday after it was found to have failed to comply with the hygiene standard set by the Health Ministry.


Melaka Health Department director Datuk Dr Ghazali Othman said the restaurant was punished under Section 11 of the Food Act 1983 and ordered to close for cleaning work after a video recording showing worms found in its dish went viral on social media.


“We will hand over the results of investigation to the State Health and Anti-Drug Committee chairman Low Chee Leong before submitting them to Melaka Chief Minister, Adly Zahari,” he said when contacted by reporters today.


The one minute and 54 seconds video recording of worms in an 'Asam Pedas' dish was believed to be recorded by one of the customers.


“A case like this will tarnish the image of the restaurant and other food outlets and could be detrimental to their businesses,” Dr Ghazali said, while advising all food outlet operators in the state to maintain cleanliness in handling food and adhered to the hygiene standard set by the ministry.


Meanwhile, Adly said he had asked the relevant authorities to investigate the case.


“We will take several measures after receiving the full results of the investigation,” he said.


-- BERNAMA