This is the stomach-churning moment a cheeky rat gorged on fried chicken in front of shocked diners at a restaurant in Malaysia.

The disgusting video shows the rodent happily munching on meat being warmed in a food display case at a Mamak stall in the capital Kuala Lumpur on December 23.

After eating its fill, it then left the half-nibbled piece of chicken behind and scurried away.

Provincial and district food safety officers conducted a health check at the restaurant after the 15-second clip emerged. The stall was ordered closed for 14 days after it was found to have violated several safety and hygiene regulations.

In a statement, Director General of Health Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said: 'Checks found that the hygiene level of the premises was not satisfactory. Therefore, the restaurant is ordered to close for 14 days under Section 11 of the Food Act 1983.

'The ministry takes the issue of food health and safety seriously.

'Therefore, the ministry urges the public, especially food business owners and handlers, to be responsible in ensuring food safety to prevent poisoning and foodborne disease outbreaks.'

Revolted customer Zoey Hanafiah said: 'It happened right in front of me. I will never eat at a Mamak anymore, I swear.'

Mamak stalls are open-air eateries that serve affordable, usually Indian-Malaysian cooking.