Nine stalls shut in Penang after fried rat found in chicken tray at food court in Malaysia
Nine hawker stalls in Penang were ordered to close after a nurse discovered a fried rat mixed with chicken at a food court near a hospital. Authorities later found widespread hygiene violations and rodent activity during inspections.
- A nurse discovered a fried rat mixed with chicken at a Penang food court near the Penang General Hospital.
- Nine stalls were ordered to close for 14 days after health inspections found rodent and cockroach activity.
- The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) is continuing to monitor hygiene compliance under food safety regulations.
PENANG, MALAYSIA: Health authorities have ordered the closure of nine hawker stalls at a Penang food court after a fried rat was discovered among pieces of chicken, sparking outrage and concern over food hygiene.
The shocking incident took place at Jalan Utama Food Street, located behind Penang General Hospital, after a nurse spotted what appeared to be a fried rat mixed in a tray of chicken at a mixed rice stall.
Investigations later revealed that the vendor had likely been unaware that a rat fell from above into the frying pot, where it was fried together with the chicken and subsequently served.
Following the nurse’s complaint to the Penang State Health Department and the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) on 14 October 2025, health officers launched an inspection the next day.
Widespread hygiene issues uncovered
During the 15 October inspection, MBPP officers found unsanitary conditions, including rat droppings, cockroach infestations, and poor waste management at several stalls.
Twelve stalls were cited for various violations, while nine were ordered to shut down for 14 days — until 28 October — for deep cleaning and pest control.
The affected stalls included vendors selling apam balik (peanut pancakes), chicken rice, Javanese noodles, kebabs, fried chicken, mixed rice, and drinks.
Penang Island City Councillor Tan Soo Siang said the closure order was limited to affected stalls to “avoid unnecessary disruption to other hawkers’ income.” MBPP added that it would continue monitoring the food court for compliance under the 1991 Food Establishment By-laws.
Public reaction
A healthcare worker who frequented the area told China Press that she would “never eat there again,” saying the sight of the fried rat was “disgusting beyond words.”
