MALAYSIA, 30/09/2024 (Asia News Channels) - The dining hall and cafeteria at Maktab Rendah Sains Mara (MRSM) Terendak Camp in Sungai Udang has been ordered to close for 14 days starting Friday. The closure followed a health inspection that uncovered rat droppings on the premises, according to State Health, Human Resources, and Unity Committee Chairman, Datuk Ngwe Hee Sem.
In addition to the presence of rat droppings, authorities cited substandard refrigerator conditions as further justification for the shutdown. Both the dining hall and cafeteria were fined RM1,000 for the violations. Datuk Ngwe explained that the closure was necessary for cleaning and other corrective actions. Additionally, the cooperative involved has been directed to halt the sale of takeaway food from external suppliers until the investigation is complete.
The Melaka Health Department enforced the closure under the Infectious Diseases Prevention and Control Act 1988 and the Food Act 1983. As a precautionary measure, the Health Ministry has recommended alternative catering services from its approved list to ensure meals for the 663 students at the college are provided during the closure period.
The closure came shortly after a surprise visit by Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) Chairman, Datuk Dr. Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, to MRSM Terendak. The visit was prompted by reports of 48 students suffering from stomach pain, which is suspected to be related to food poisoning. Eight of these students were hospitalized and have since been discharged.
During the visit, Asyraf Wajdi described the MRSM Terendak kitchen as filthy, with poor maintenance and evidence of rat droppings. He noted that this was not an isolated incident, as other facilities at the institution, including toilets and teachers' rooms, were also in poor condition. MRSM Terendak, according to Asyraf Wajdi, is the most dilapidated institution under Mara's supervision.
In response, he has requested the principal to compile a detailed list of the deteriorated facilities within a month. An emergency fund of RM400,000 has been allocated for urgent repairs. The incident at MRSM Terendak follows a similar case at MRSM Taiping, where unsanitary conditions allegedly led to food poisoning among students. During an inspection at the MRSM Taiping cafeteria, Asyraf Wajdi reported finding lizard droppings, rats, and even maggots in student meals. Mara is now considering legal action against the cafeteria operator for breach of contract and failure to maintain hygiene standards.
The investigation into the conditions at MRSM Terendak is ongoing.
--ASIA NEWS CHANNELS