The Ministry of Health (MoH) is intensifying nationwide food safety enforcement with a clear objective — to reduce food poisoning cases to below 50 per 100,000 population by 2030.
Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said the initiative covers the entire ecosystem, including the food industry, public dining outlets and educational institutions. The target forms part of the National Food Safety Action Plan 2024–2030 and the National Food Safety Policy 2.0, reflecting Putrajaya’s broader push to safeguard public health standards.
He stressed that food traders must place hygiene and safety at the forefront of their operations, ensuring that all food sold is clean, of good quality and safe for consumption. Public awareness, he noted, remains a critical pillar in preventing outbreaks.
“Consumers should practise the concept of ‘Observe and Choose’ by selecting clean premises and prioritising food quality,” he said. He also encouraged the public to apply the simple ‘Look, Smell, Taste’ approach before breaking fast to minimise health risks.
Dzulkefly was speaking at the launch of the 2026 National Ramadan Bazaar and Hygiene and Food Campaign. Monitoring efforts at Ramadan bazaars began earlier this month through close coordination between State Health Departments and local authorities.
To date, more than 200 hygiene and safe food handling sessions have been conducted nationwide, involving stall operators from 77,583 stalls across 1,274 Ramadan bazaar sites. This proactive engagement underscores the ministry’s preventive approach rather than reactive enforcement.
Inspections have also been extended to food preparation premises ahead of Ramadan, including restaurants and hotels offering iftar buffets. Authorities have carried out 426 inspections involving ice factories, eateries and hotels to ensure compliance with health regulations.
Within the first two days of fasting, only one complaint related to Ramadan bazaar cleanliness was recorded through the Public Complaints Management System. While the figure is low, the ministry maintains that vigilance must continue throughout the festive period.
Business operators were reminded that selling stale food during Ramadan constitutes an offence under the Food Act 1983 and may result in compound fines. Enforcement action will also be taken against bazaar traders found violating food safety regulations.
TB Cases Rise Slightly, Medicine Supply Assured
In a separate update, Dzulkefly assured the public that the supply of medicines remains sufficient despite a slight increase in newly detected tuberculosis (TB) cases nationwide.
As of the sixth Epidemiological Week this year, 596 new TB cases have been identified, bringing the cumulative total to 3,161 cases so far. Health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, emphasising early detection and responsible health practices.
The minister urged Malaysians to observe proper coughing and sneezing etiquette, alongside ensuring adequate ventilation in enclosed spaces. He clarified that Ramadan itself does not contribute to the spread of the disease. Instead, the increase in social gatherings and community interactions during the month may elevate exposure risks.
Public cooperation, he added, remains essential in maintaining both food safety standards and communicable disease control as the nation navigates the busy Ramadan season.
