Malaysian eatery investigated over alleged recycling of customers’ leftovers
A mamak stall in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, is under investigation after a video allegedly showed staff washing customers’ leftover food and preparing it for reuse, sparking widespread public outrage.
- A netizen alleged that a mamak stall employee was washing leftover food to be reused for other customers.
- The incident was filmed and shared online, triggering strong reactions over food safety and hygiene.
- The Negeri Sembilan Health Department has launched an investigation into the allegations.
MALAYSIA: A mamak stall in Negeri Sembilan is being investigated following allegations that its employees reused customers’ leftover food by washing it and preparing it for resale.
According to a local report, a netizen claimed he personally witnessed the incident at around 12am at the back of the stall in Seremban earlier today.
The individual said he saw a worker washing food items that were clearly leftovers, including chicken, mutton and tofu, before sorting them into trays.
He recorded the entire process and uploaded the video to social media, where it quickly drew widespread attention and heated discussion among netizens.
Employee Allegedly Admitted Food Would Be Reused
The netizen claimed that when he confronted the employee, the worker told him that the leftover food would be cleaned and kept for reuse the following day.
He said another staff member initially attempted to deflect his accusations with misleading explanations but later “let the truth slip”, allegedly admitting that the food would indeed be re-cooked and insisting that it posed no health risks.
“This is completely unacceptable. It is unethical, unsafe, and disgusting,” the netizen wrote, adding that such practices posed a serious threat to public health.
He also expressed concern that the incident might not be an isolated case and urged the authorities to take firm action.
Public Urged to Stay Alert
The netizen called on the public to share his post to raise awareness and prevent similar incidents from continuing, warning that unsuspecting customers could be put at risk if such practices were allowed to persist.
The video has since sparked widespread outrage online, with many netizens calling for stricter enforcement of food hygiene regulations and heavier penalties for errant food operators.
Health Authorities Respond
Negeri Sembilan State Health Department director Dr Zuraidah Abdullah confirmed that she has instructed officers to investigate the allegations.
She said appropriate action would be taken if the claims were found to be true, in accordance with existing food safety and public health laws.
Investigations are ongoing.
