Kuala Lumpur:The Dewan Rakyat has approved the Food (Amendment) Bill 2026, aimed at bolstering food safety and quality controls while offering comprehensive consumer protection across the nation.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the amendments to the Food Act 1983 represent the first extensive review of the legislation and introduce stiffer penalties, regulate food contact materials, monitor online food sales, and oversee pesticide residue levels in agricultural products.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad emphasized that the increased penalties are designed to deter violations and protect public health, rather than burden food operators or small traders. He pointed out that existing penalties were insufficient for serious offences, such as the food poisoning incident at Sekolah Menengah Sains Teluk Intan and the laksa kebok case in Kedah, which resulted in minor fines despite causing fatalities.
The bill proposes fines up to RM25,000 and imprisonment up to five years for breaches under the new regulations. Dzulkefly highlighted a risk-based enforcement approach, with minor offences addressed through advice and education, while serious or repeated violations would be prosecuted directly.
On the issue of online food sales, 23,553 requests were made to block non-compliant social media accounts and e-commerce platforms from 2023 to September 2026. The amendments empower the Director-General of Health to act decisively against dangerous products and false addresses without needing a court order.
Dzulkefly also noted the rising non-compliance with pesticide residue limits in vegetables, which increased to 14.1% by mid-2026. He assured that a grace period and phased educational enforcement would be implemented to ease the transition for the industry and small traders.
To enhance enforcement integrity, body cameras have been used since 2022 alongside digital monitoring through the Malaysia Food Safety Information System (FoSIM), aiming to reduce discretion and curb corruption.
The parliamentary session will resume tomorrow for the presentation of Budget 2027.