EFFECTIVE Jan 1 next year, food operators in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, will face stiffer fines if their workers fail to obtain mandatory typhoid vaccinations.
Under the revised regulation, fines will be tiered according to the number of unvaccinated food handlers found at each premises.
“Operators with one to five offenders will receive a RM250 compound, while those with six to 15 will be fined RM500.
“Businesses with 16 or more unvaccinated workers will face the maximum RM1,000 compound,” said Petaling Jaya mayor Datuk Mohd Yazid Sairi.
Currently, eateries in the city are subject to a flat RM250 fine, regardless of unvaccinated food handlers being employed.
Mohd Yazid said the increase was prompted by the high number of food safety offences recorded at eateries.
He said of 4,200 compounds issued by Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) to food premises since 2024, 940 or 22% were for failing to vaccinate food handlers against typhoid.
This reflects low compliance among food operators.
“Because the existing fine is relatively low, many do not take the requirement seriously,” he told reporters after chairing MBPJ’s full board meeting yesterday.
He said the city council would publicise the revised policy throughout November and December to ensure food operators were aware of the changes.
“This grace period will also give operators sufficient time to comply with the requirements and have their workers vaccinated,” he added.
Mohd Yazid clarified that the move did not require amendments to existing by-laws.
“Under current by-laws, MBPJ is empowered to impose fines of up to RM1,000.
“We are merely enforcing the provisions already in place.”
Separately, the mayor reminded traders intending to sell firecrackers and fireworks during the Deepavali celebrations to obtain temporary permits from the city council and the police.
To streamline the approval process, he said applications must be submitted to both agencies simultaneously.
“Sales of Deepavali fireworks are permitted between Oct 23 and Nov 8. We have received six applications so far,” he said.
Applications must be made through MBPJ’s eLesen portal at elesen.mbpj.gov.my
