Malaysian restaurant shut after viral video shows worker washing leftover food for reuse

The Negeri Sembilan Health Department said it acted immediately after the clip surfaced online on Feb. 3, launching an investigation into what it described as unhygienic practices that could endanger public health.

Authorities ordered the premises to close until Feb. 17 and issued a compound fine, The Star reported.

According to the department, the video shows a worker rinsing unsold cooked food such as chicken, mutton and bean curd behind the restaurant after midnight, before placing the items onto trays to be reused.

Officials warned that such practices could lead to food poisoning and stressed that food handlers are legally responsible for ensuring meals are safe for consumption.

State health director Dr. Zuraida Mohamed said her officers began probing the incident shortly after the footage went viral. "We are investigating the matter seriously," she said, as cited by The Straits Times, adding that enforcement action had already been taken.

The individual who filmed the clip said he questioned the worker about why the food was being separated and placed on trays and was told it would be recooked the next day. He claimed that other workers initially offered excuses before admitting to the practice, insisting it did not pose a health risk.

Calling the behavior "unethical, unsafe and disgusting," the individual said he shared the video online to raise public awareness and urged authorities to take firm action, warning that the incident might not be an isolated case.