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A video showing what appears to be a small cockroach crawling near an ice cream machine at the IKEA Cheras Bistro has gone viral on social media, prompting a response from IKEA Malaysia
The clip, which was shared on Threads on 4 July, shows the insect crawling around the self-service ice cream machine.
Threads user @044mii, who uploaded the video, wrote, "Was about to get some ice cream but was surprised there were cockroaches! Isn't it just after being closed by KKM (the Health Ministry)? Is this your normal??"
The incident comes just weeks after IKEA Cheras' Swedish Restaurant was temporarily closed following an order by the Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya Health Department.
The restaurant shut on 17 June for maintenance works to meet hygiene standards before reopening later that month. The closure only affected the Swedish Restaurant, while the Bistro and Café continued operating throughout.
In a statement to SAYS, IKEA Malaysia said it became aware of the video on 4 July and immediately carried out an inspection of the affected area, including checks on all ice cream machines at the IKEA Cheras Bistro
"As a precautionary measure, the affected area is currently undergoing a thorough cleaning while pest control treatment and inspection are being carried out," the company said.
IKEA Malaysia added that food safety, hygiene, and quality remain "extremely important" to its operations.
The retailer said pest control treatment and inspections are conducted weekly across all its food operations as part of its regular hygiene programme. Following the incident, it has also strengthened its monitoring and inspection routines as an added precaution.
The company also thanked the customer for bringing the matter to its attention, saying customer feedback plays an important role in helping it continuously improve.
The IKEA Cheras Bistro has not been closed and continues to operate as usual
Its restaurant team has reviewed the matter and is carrying out the necessary precautionary measures, including a thorough cleaning of the affected area and scheduled pest control treatment on the night of 4 July.
IKEA Malaysia also clarified that the incident only involves the IKEA Cheras Bistro and does not affect the IKEA Cheras Swedish Restaurant or any other IKEA Restaurants, Cafés, or Bistros nationwide.
The company maintained that it continues to uphold strict food safety and hygiene standards across all of its food operations.
