KUALA LUMPUR: All 24-hours eateries in Petaling Jaya must close for two hours, from 1am to 3am, to allow for clean-up work at their premises, Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) announced Wednesday.
The new rule, excluding fast food outlets and those operating within another premises, will start from July 1.
Its mayor, Datuk Mohd Azizi Mohd Zain said at least 98 eateries in the district will be effected by the ruling.
“We don't want any excuses from these 24-hours eateries of not following the new rule. The two-hour closure must be fully utilised to clean their premises thoroughly before resuming business," he said after the MBPJ’s full board meeting.
When asked about footballs matches which are often aired between 12am to 4am at these restaurants, Azizi said that it should not be made an excuse for non-compliance.
“All year round there are games and football matches going on, that is not an excuse of not abiding to the law,” he said.
Azizi said July was the best time to implement the ruling following numerous reports in the media related to poor cleanliness at restaurants.
“This, however will not affect 24-hour fast food outlets in PJ as they have their own self-imposed cleaning standards and requirements.
"The same goes to restaurants which are operating inside hotels and corporate buildings,” he said.
Restaurant operators and customers, however, were mixed over the new ruling.
Many considered the 1am to 3am as too early for clean-up and suggested that the hours be delayed to between 4am and 6am - a none peak hours at these outlets.