GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) shut down and seized equipment from four unlicensed businesses operated by foreigners during an enforcement operation yesterday.
The operation, codenamed Ops Tegas, targeted two barbershops along Jalan Gurdwara, a food outlet at Fortune Court in Air Itam and a retail business along Jalan Datuk Keramat.
Enforcement action against the two barbershops was carried out simultaneously in the afternoon, followed by the food outlet in Air Itam.
The operation continued at the retail business along Jalan Datuk Keramat at night.
"All four premises were sealed off and their business equipment seized under the Local Government Act 1976.
"Notices of enforcement action were also served on the respective business operators, their representatives or employees," it said in a statement on its Facebook page.
MBPP reminded business operators to ensure they held valid licences and complied with all licensing conditions, warning that failure to do so could result in legal action.
This includes the closure of premises and seizure of business equipment.
Penang has seen the mushrooming of foreign-run businesses which fail to adhere to requirements, prompting the local authorities to take stern action.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd