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When it comes to hygiene in the food scene, Malaysians are quick to point fingers — and more often than not, mamak spots and nasi kandar joints find themselves in the spotlight. But let’s be real: unsanitary conditions aren’t exclusive to these eateries — I once saw rats at a pristine-looking restaurant in a mall.
On 11 Apr 2025, the Bandar Mahkota Cheras community was jolted by a now-viral video showing a rat infestation at A&R Bistro.
Posted by user Terry Wong — who initially withheld the name of the establishment — the video shows a rat feasting on ayam masak kicap in a tray behind the counter.
The setting was unmistakable: a nasi kandar-style layout, where dishes are openly displayed for customers to choose their lauk.
After some online sleuthing, netizens identified the place as A&R Bistro, a mamak joint. And apparently, this wasn’t their first rodeo — a user stated that there had been cockroaches found in the food previously. The restaurant’s location may be part of the issue, as it sits in an area prone to pest infestations.
In response to the uproar, the owner posted an official statement in the Bandar Mahkota Cheras & Sungai Long 皇冠城与双溪龙 Facebook group.
He apologised, attributing the incident to the area’s drainage and sewage systems, which have long struggled with rat problems. Despite past efforts to control the issue, he claimed it remains largely out of their hands.
Health authorities have since ordered A&R Bistro to temporarily close. The owner ended his statement by urging local authorities to take serious action against the rat infestation, which is mainly caused by the drainage system, for the safety of others.
In the aftermath, major news outlets reported that A&R Bistro’s Google review page was flooded with 1-star ratings — though it seems that the comments have since vanished.
While I sympathise with eateries doing their best in tough surroundings, it’s deeply troubling that food was still being served despite an unresolved pest problem. Cleanliness shouldn’t be optional — and certainly not something to gamble with over lunch.
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