M’sia eatery denies reselling washed food scraps to customers after viral video, says it's meant for stray animals

A restaurant owner in Malaysia has rejected allegations that his staff were recycling leftover food for resale, after a viral video showed an employee washing scraps behind the premises.

The incident, which drew widespread attention online, has prompted an investigation by health authorities and led to the temporary closure of the restaurant.

The restaurant owner Fadzil A. Bakar, however, claims that the washed scraps are instead intended for stray animals.

Owner says scraps were for stray animals

In a TikTok video, Fadzil has denied claims that his restaurant washes surplus food to resell to customers.

He explained that the washing process was carried out to remove oil and spices from food waste before it was given away to people who feed stray animals, according to the New Straits Times.

Fadzil argued that reselling leftovers would not be feasible, as cooked food would spoil rapidly and develop an unpleasant smell that customers would notice.

"I have 14 restaurants and this is the first time I've faced such an issue," he told Sinar Harian.

He added that an animal lover has been collecting scraps from the restaurant for several years to feed cats and birds.

A man identified as Manikandan Krishnasamy, who regularly collects food waste, confirmed that he had requested the leftovers be washed first, as cited by the New Straits Times.

He said oily scraps could cause skin problems such as mange in animals, which is why he asks restaurants to rinse them before donation.

Owner blames misunderstanding involving foreign worker

Fadzil suggested the situation may have been worsened by miscommunication involving a newly hired Pakistani worker, reported Sinar Harian.

He claimed the employee may not have understood what was being asked and gave the impression that the food was being washed for reuse, when it was actually intended for animals.

"He's just starting to work at the restaurant and doesn't really understand Malay.”

Fadzil also said the worker has since disappeared, making it difficult for management to obtain further clarification.

Management should have been approached first

Fadzil criticised the individuals who recorded and circulated the footage, saying they should have approached management first rather than making the matter public immediately.

He also claimed the person entered the kitchen area without permission, as cited by the New Straits Times, which he said could constitute an offence.

"If they were dissatisfied or saw something amiss, they should have met with the management first, not immediately made it viral.

I do not deny that my reputation has been tarnished by this event. However, the action of the person recording the video was wrong, and entering our kitchen without permission is also an offence."

The owner confirmed that a police report has been lodged, and he has not ruled out taking legal action.

Health authorities investigate

The incident was shared by a social media user who claimed to have witnessed the act behind the premises around 12:18 on Tuesday (Feb. 3).

Fadzil said that he had agreed with the investigation by Malaysia’s Ministry of Health after the video attracted the attention of authorities.

The restaurant has since been ordered to shut temporarily under Section 11 of the Food Act 1983, with compound notices also issued under the Food Hygiene Regulations 2009.

The closure notice is effective till Feb. 17.

Top images via ipk.tv5/TikTok, silohna king/Facebook