KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry (MOH) is intensifying efforts to ensure restaurants across the country adhere to strict hygiene standards, says Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
The Health Minister noted that the ministry is enhancing its campaign alongside strengthening the BeBAS (Clean, Smoke-Free) initiative, which acknowledges clean and safe premises.
Under the programme, restaurant owners who meet the criteria are awarded a “clean and safe” certification.
“We conduct campaigns where premises owners are assessed and rated based on our thorough criteria. Those who meet the standards will receive certification for being the best, cleanest, and safest,” he said.
This initiative comes as Malaysia grapples with periodic food poisoning outbreaks.
To tackle the problem, the Health Ministry is partnering with the Education Ministry.
However, Dzulkefly said that more work remains to be done.
“I am aware, and we must continue to improve our delivery,” he added.
The ministry’s BeBAS initiative – focusing on premises hygiene and anti-smoking law compliance – has been ongoing throughout the year.
MOH will also engage the community through activities and distribute educational materials to involve the public.
Furthermore, the programme recognises and rewards establishments that maintain high standards of cleanliness and comply with smoking bans.
On another matter, MOH is prepared to amend existing laws related to mental health to address cases where individuals deemed insane use the “mental health card” to avoid severe punishment.
Dzulkefly said any amendment to the law would require careful examination.
He said that this issue will be discussed further in MOH’s post-Cabinet meetings and referred to the ministry’s legal advisors.
“I believe this is a moral corruption, an incident that may become more frequent involving the misuse of mental health claims. We certainly need to look into it closely,” he said.
He spoke to reporters after the opening of the Malaysia International Healthcare (MIH) Megatrends Conference 2024, officiated by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, yesterday.
Regarding MIH Megatrends 2024, Dzulkefly noted that Malaysia is the first Asean country to lead this health conference in collaboration with the private sector.
He said that MIH Megatrends will be highlighted at the Asean Health Ministers Meeting in 2025.
Dzulkefly added that as Malaysia prepares to chair Asean in 2025, hosting MIH Megatrends 2024 will further strengthen its reputation as a crucial platform for in-depth discussions, particularly on issues that could impact regional health policies and practices, such as sustainable healthcare financing and equitable access.
Also present were Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil and KPJ Healthcare Bhd Chairman Tan Sri Dr Ismail Bakar.
Themed ‘Healthcare: The Next Frontier’, the three-day event has gathered about 3,000 healthcare industry players.
