A recent appraisal of conditions at the mamak stall near our school has revealed
the following conditions that are a real danger to the students. Being close to
the area where parents' cars and the school buses part outside the school, it is
a favourite place for students to congregate while waiting for their transport
home. The plastic chairs and tables at the stall are not just an eyesore they
are also badly in need of washing. Curry spilt while serving and eating are
wiped with a dirty smelly rag which badly needs washing. Without a shadow of
doubt, it may be assumed that that single piece of cloth can spread unknown
germs to the students who eat or drink there. Most of the glasses and plates
used are chipped. In their state, it would not be surprising if some student
were to inadvertently swallow a piece of broken glass or plate. The danger this
is in causing internal injuries can never be taken lightly.
The cleanliness of the place is appropriately declared by the number of rats,
flies and cockroaches that may be seen enjoying life there. When this is noted
together with the uncovered food displayed in the glass display shelf, it leaves
little to the imagination. The cleanliness issue is further compounded by the
fact that the plates, glasses and other utensils are all dip-washed in two large
basins and before a final dipping in a smaller basin. Washing without running
water raises further health concerns.
The cook does neither wears an apron or any sort of covering on the head. The
servers (it would be blasphemy to call them waiters) in clothes that look badly
in needs of washing makes the observant shudder in disgust. The utter disregard
for hygiene can be the cause of allergies and diseases. Cases of allergies and
diseases from this unhygienic place do not feature in any reports simply because
there has been no informal retrieval.
The place is popular with many school students. It is common to see them have
a snack while waiting for their cars or buses. To the observant, this place
looks like a disaster waiting to happen. It is sincerely hoped that this report
is taken with the same seriousness with which it is written. |