A TOTAL of 655 food outlets in Penang have been awarded the “Bersih, Selamat dan Sihat” (BeSS) or Clean, Safe and Hygienic recognition since 2018 for meeting standards on cleanliness, food safety and hygiene.
State health committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen said the recognition was given to food operators who met the criteria and requirements set by Health Ministry.
He said the achievement reflected the commitment of food operators towards maintaining cleanliness and food safety at their premises.
“We are pleased that food operators have placed emphasis on cleanliness and food safety at their premises.
“We hope more food outlets will apply for BeSS recognition to demonstrate their commitment towards maintaining food cleanliness and safety,” he said in a press conference after the “Premis Bersih, Bebas Asap” (BeBAs) programme at Medan Selera Food Bayana at Bayan Lepas.
Gooi said the BeSS recognition could be withdrawn if premises failed to maintain the required standards, particularly if its cleanliness assessment score fell below the stipulated level.
“Usually, the status is withdrawn when an outlet no longer meets the required criteria, there is a decline in its assessment score or the level of cleanliness does not meet the required standard,” he said.
Gooi said 17 food premises were stripped of their BeSS recognition status last year.
He urged the public to look for the BeSS logo when choosing eateries to dine in.
“Consumers can choose eateries displaying the BeSS logo – these premises have been recognised for meeting the required standards of cleanliness and food safety.
“This can help the public make more informed choices and reduce the risk of food poisoning,” he said.
Earlier, Gooi congratulated 19 food outlets at the Food Bayana food court for being recognised as BeSS premises by Health Ministry.
He also announced that Food Bayana had been BeBAs-certified by Health Ministry this year.
The BeBAs programme aims to encourage food premises to maintain cleanliness and comply with smoking-control laws, particularly the prohibition on smoking at eateries.
It was first implemented in Penang in 2024 at the Medan Renong Food Complex in Padang Kota Lama, followed by the Medan Selera R&R Bandar Cassia Food Complex and Borealis Commercial Centre last year.
This year, the programme was extended to Food Bayana in the southwest district.
Accompanied by state health director Dr Zulhizzam Abdullah, Gooi also inspected eateries at the food court.
According to Gooi, Penang issued 2,701 compounds for smoking offences at food premises in the first nine months of this year under the “Operasi Selamat Paru-paru” (PaPa).
This, he said, followed continued enforcement under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852).
He said another 254 compounds were issued to premises owners for failing to display no-smoking warning signs and for providing smoking facilities.
He said the state health department had continued its monitoring and enforcement activities since Act 852 came into force on Oct 1, 2024.
Gooi said the latest PaPa operation, on Oct 3, resulted in 57 compounds being issued for various offences under Act 852.
PaPa is an enforcement operation to strengthen Act 852.
