IPOH - The Perak State Health Department (JKN) initiated an investigation following a viral video that allegedly showed a popular nasi kandar restaurant washing cooking utensils on the roadside near a drain.
State Executive Councillor for Human Resources, Health, Indian Community Affairs, and National Integration, A. Sivanesan, stated that although no formal complaint had been filed, the issue was being taken seriously due to concerns about hygiene and public health.
"I have directed health officers to monitor the situation closely. So far, the information we have is based solely on a Facebook post.
"Even though it's not an official complaint, I believe there is some truth to the viral video. During a nighttime inspection, the premises were found closed, and no cleaning activities were observed," he told a press conference here yesterday.
Sivanesan added that, according to feedback received, residents living near the restaurant were upset about the late-night cleaning activities, which caused noise disturbances.
He stated that the restaurant typically operated until midnight, with cleaning activities extending until 1am.
"The investigation will also take into account statements from nearby residents before any action is taken against the restaurant," he said.
The viral video, lasting 17 seconds, showed a worker washing cooking utensils on the road behind the restaurant.
The video went viral on social media, prompting concerns among netizens about food hygiene and calls for strict enforcement by authorities.
The individual who posted the video also alleged that the restaurant's cleaning activities not only violated hygiene standards but also caused disturbances to local residents.