Penang assemblyman questions authorities after popular eatery faces no action despite cockroach leg found in food and official complaints lodged.
PETALING JAYA: A Penang lawmaker has questioned the apparent lack of enforcement action against a well-known eatery following the alleged discovery of a cockroach leg in a dish, despite photographic evidence being submitted to authorities.
A Kumaresan, the assemblyman for Batu Uban, said the incident involved one of his staff members, who had lodged an official complaint with both the state health authorities and the Penang Island City Council (MBPP).
However, he claimed that no firm action has been taken so far.
“What was even more disappointing was that when a complaint was made to the restaurant staff, it was ignored, and no apology was given.
“This careless attitude reflects a very low level of concern for customers.
“My staff later informed me of the incident, and I advised them to lodge a formal complaint through the proper channels. A report was subsequently submitted to MBPP and the health authorities.
“However, to date, we have been informed that no firm action has been taken by the authorities.
“Only a routine inspection was carried out, and the relevant parties stated that the restaurant’s level of cleanliness was satisfactory, therefore no further action could be taken,” he wrote on Facebook.
“This raises the question: why was no compound issued, and why was the restaurant not ordered to close?
“I often see on social media that authorities take strict action in cases involving food hygiene.
“Yet in this case, the situation appears to be different.
“If such an offence had been committed by a small roadside stall, it is highly likely that the premises would have been ordered to close for 14 days.
“I do not intend to create any controversy, but the question remains: when a member of the public lodges a complaint with photographic evidence—in this case, a cockroach leg found in food—why is no action taken against the restaurant owner?
“Does the law only apply to small traders and those without influence?” he questioned.
“This is not merely an individual issue. It concerns food hygiene and safety, which directly affects public health. I am not speaking out solely because it involves my staff, but for the sake of all customers who dine at the establishment,” the post read.
Authorities, including MBPP, have yet to issue an official response at the time of writing.
