The Penang state health department has closed seven premises, including a kindergarten, and issued 167 notices for various offences, imposing compounds totalling RM43,600 during a public health operation.
The operation aimed to ensure compliance with several key health regulations, including the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), the Food Act 1983 (Act 281), the Destruction of Disease-Bearing Insects Act 1975 (Act 154), and the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (Amendment) 2025 (Act 342).
According to a statement from the department, “A total of 84 notices were issued with compounds worth RM20,600 for various offences under Act 852, and notices to appear in court for prosecution were issued for two offences for selling cigarettes in open packs and one offence for selling cigarettes under the sale price.” The department also reported that 50 tobacco products valued at RM179 were seized.
In addition, 45 eateries were inspected, resulting in the issuance of 68 notices and compounds worth RM14,500 under Act 281. Six premises were ordered to close immediately. One grocery store was fined RM2,500 for selling products without manufacturer’s information, and 111 food products, estimated to be worth RM766.70, were seized.
Inspections under Act 154 covered 929 premises, which led to 12 notices being served with compounds totalling RM6,000. A clean-up work order notice was also issued.
Under Act 342, a kindergarten was ordered to cease operations after it was found to pose a risk of spreading hand, foot, and mouth disease.
