SIBU, Jan. 9 -- The Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) has stepped up inspections on food premises here, including pork jerky (bak kwa) outlets and eateries undergoing renovations, to ensure compliance with hygiene standards and municipal regulations ahead of the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations.

Public Health, Environment and Municipal Services Standing Committee chairman Councillor Ying Sy Huat said inspections on pork jerky outlets were intensified this month to ensure food sold to the public is clean, fresh, and safe for consumption.

"We are conducting inspections on premises selling pork jerky as Chinese New Year is approaching, and we want to ensure cleanliness and food safety, particularly the hygiene level of these food products...