GEORGE TOWN: Ten unlicensed business premises, believed to be operated by foreigners, have been ordered to close in two enforcement operations by the Penang Island City Council (MBPP).
Their equipment was also seized during the operations.
In separate posts on its Facebook page, MBPP said the operations, conducted under Ops Tegas, targeted seven premises around Komtar, Air Itam and Gelugor on Thursday, followed by three more in Batu Ferringhi and Seri Tanjung Pinang yesterday.
“The operation focused on unlicensed business activities, premises managed or operated by foreigners, and breaches of local authority licensing conditions.
“Inspections also uncovered the involvement of foreigners at these premises, including people who failed to produce valid identification documents,” the city council said.
MBPP said enforcement action against the 10 premises included closure orders, equipment seizures, confiscation of goods and the removal of signboards, depending on the offences committed.
Among the items seized were stoves, sinks, food racks, cutting tools and other business equipment, while horizontal signboards and banners were also removed.
The premises were sealed with safety tape to ensure business activities ceased immediately until all licensing breaches and public nuisance issues were resolved.
“Written notices were also issued to the relevant parties, instructing them not to remove or damage the sealing tape, trespass on the premises, or continue operating inside or outside the buildings,” it added.
The enforcement action was carried out under the Local Government Act 1976, which empowers local authorities to safeguard public safety, health and comfort.
MBPP said that Ops Tegas would continue without compromise against those operating unlicensed businesses, involving foreigners who flout regulations, breaching licence conditions or causing public nuisance.