Health Ministry cracking down on sale of zam zam water

PUTRAJAYA: The Health Ministry is conducting a sweep on zam zam water nationwide following a ban issued by the Saudi Arabian Embassy against its sale.

Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah (pic) said those caught selling zam zam water faced a fine not exceeding RM10,000 or jail not more than two years under Food Regulations 1985.

From 2012 to October this year, the ministry had confiscated RM58,191.80 worth of zam zam water, he said in a statement here Saturday (Dec 9).

He said the matter was agreed by the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) and the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry (KPDNKK) as enforcement was under the jurisdiction of the Health Ministry.

He said the ministry through the Food Safety and Quality Division was taking action against the sale of zam zam water under Section 4(1) (f) of Food Act 1983.

According to Dr Noor Hisham, zam zam water, which is from underground sources, is categorised as natural mineral water as stipulated under Regulation 360A of Food Regulations 1985.

"Its import requires the source of water licence as well as approval and authentication by geology and hydrology authorities," he said.

He said the Saudi government only allowed the distribution of zam zam water for free to haj and umrah pilgrims as well as visitors for personal consumption in limited quantity.

"The ministry is intensifying enforcement against the sale of zam zam water as its sale is banned in Malaysia," he said.

Dr Noor said members of the public could contact the District Health Office or nearest State Health Department the Health Ministry website or its Facebook page for further information. – Bernama