BINTULU – The Public Health and Environment (PHE) Section of the Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) recently carried out an operating licence compliance check at a local shopping mall to ensure businesses follow licensing rules.
Ten premises were inspected, and seven were found operating without valid licences. Enforcement action followed, with officers issuing one compound notice and six warning notices.
BDA stressed that all businesses must have a valid operating licence, whether they deal with food or non-food services.
Food-related businesses include restaurants, bakeries, canteens, cold storage outlets, butcher shops, and premises selling alcohol. Factories producing cooking oil, beverages, or other food items are also required to comply.
Non-food businesses fall under the same requirement. This group includes hotels, boarding houses, cinemas, gaming centres, pubs, karaoke outlets, laundries, reflexology and health centres, hair salons, gas and petroleum depots, village shops, and snooker or billiard centres.
Officials said the operation is part of ongoing efforts to maintain hygiene standards, ensure food safety, and protect consumers. Enforcing licensing rules helps reduce risks linked to unregulated businesses.
The authority plans to step up monitoring and enforcement, with regular inspections to make sure operators meet local standards. The goal is to maintain a safe and healthy environment for the community.
Residents welcomed the move, saying stricter checks improve accountability and give consumers greater confidence in the services they use.
Business owners were also reminded that getting a licence is not only a legal requirement but also helps build trust with customers.
BDA reaffirmed its focus on supporting Bintulu’s growth while keeping public health a priority. The operation serves as a reminder that following regulations benefits both businesses and the wider community.
