IKEA Malaysia says Cheras Swedish restaurant closed for 14 days after health department order, with other outlets unaffected.
PETALING JAYA: IKEA Malaysia has issued a statement following a temporary closure order imposed on the Swedish Restaurant at its Cheras outlet by the Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya Federal Territories Health Department (JKWPKL).
The issue attracted widespread attention after photographs of an official closure notice displayed at the restaurant began circulating on social media, prompting discussions among Malaysians.
According to the notice, the food premises were ordered to close for 14 days from June 17 under provisions of the Food Act 1983. The closure is scheduled to remain in effect until July 1.
Responding to the matter, IKEA Malaysia released an official statement on Tuesday evening, confirming that the IKEA Cheras Swedish Restaurant had been temporarily closed while maintenance works were being carried out.
The company said the measures were being undertaken to ensure the facility continues to comply with hygiene standards set by both IKEA and local health authorities.
“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience,” the company said in its statement, adding that the temporary closure forms part of ongoing efforts to maintain high standards of cleanliness and food safety.
IKEA also clarified that the closure only affects the Swedish Restaurant at its Cheras outlet.
Other food and beverage facilities within the store, including the IKEA Café and Bistro, remain open and are operating as usual.
Customers wishing to dine at an IKEA Swedish Restaurant have been encouraged to visit the company’s other outlets in Damansara, Tebrau and Batu Kawan, which remain unaffected by the closure.
Based on the notice issued by health authorities, the restaurant is expected to remain closed until July 1, subject to the completion of the necessary maintenance work and compliance requirements.
Meanwhile, retail operations at IKEA Cheras continue as normal, allowing shoppers to visit the store while the restaurant undergoes the temporary closure period.
The temporary closure notice issued by JKWPKL cited provisions under the Food Act 1983, although the specific reasons behind the enforcement action were not disclosed in the notice.
Authorities have yet to provide further details on the matter.
