The Ministry of Health would like to refer to the issue on the presence of rat at the 7–Eleven Kelana Centre Point, Petaling Jaya which went viral in the social media with the caption “Spot a rat enjoying hotdog at 7-Eleven Kelana Centre Point. Please be careful when buying ready made food in any convenience stores!!!”

The Ministry of Health is aware of this issue and has carried out an investigation. The outcome of investigation showed that the glass display cabinet as shown in the viral picture is fully covered.  Further inspection of the premise did not show any rat infestation.

From January to November 2016, the Ministry of Health has carried out a total of 126,086 food premises inspections including special operations conducted twice a month. As a result of these inspections, 146 food premises were closed under Section 11 of the Food Act 1983 due to the presence of rats and 91 compounds under the Food Act 1983 were also issued for the same reasons. The Ministry of Health will continue to carry out food premises inspections to ensure food safety.

The Ministry of Health takes all matters related to food safety seriously. Consumers can contact the nearest State Health Department or Health Office or through the website http://moh.spab.gov.my or facebook of Food Safety and Quality Division at www.facebook.com/bkkmhq if there are  complaints regarding food safety.

DATUK DR. NOOR HISHAM ABDULLAH

DIRECTOR GENERAL OF HEALTH MALAYSIA

6 January 2017