Penang: The Penang state health department shut down seven premises, including a kindergarten, and issued 167 notices for various offences along with compounds worth RM43,600 in a public health operation yesterday.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the operation was conducted to ensure compliance with the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), the Food Act 1983 (Act 281), the Destruction of Disease-Bearing Insects Act 1975 (Act 154), and the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (Amendment) 2025 (Act 342).

A total of 84 notices were issued with compounds worth RM20,600 for various offences under Act 852. Notices to appear in court for prosecution were issued for two offences related to selling cigarettes in open packs and one offence for selling cigarettes below the sale price. Fifty tobacco products worth RM179 were also seized.

Additionally, 45 eateries were inspected, resulting in 68 notices and compounds worth RM14,500 being issued under Act 281. Six premises were ordered to shut immediately, and one grocery store was issued a compound of RM2,500 for selling products lacking manufacturer's information. In addition, 111 food products worth an estimated RM766.70 were seized.

Furthermore, a total of 929 premises were inspected under Act 154, with 12 notices and compounds valued at RM6,000 issued. A cleanup work order notice was issued, and a kindergarten was ordered shut under Act 342 after being found at risk of spreading hand, foot, and mouth disease.