Taste test: Lukanisman sampling food during his visit to a booth at the 2024 World Food Safety Day event in KLIA. With him is Selangor Health director Dr Ummi Kalthom Shamsudin. — ART CHEN/The Star
SEPANG: The Health Ministry has shut down 334 eateries in Selangor since 2022 for various violations related to food safety and hygiene, says Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni.
The Deputy Health Minister said between 2022 and June this year, the ministry had conducted 6,179 inspections under an initiative called Ops Clean Premises.
Eateries found to have breached the Food Hygiene Regulations 2009 were ordered to cease business, he said.
Speaking at the launch of the 2024 World Food Safety Day at the KL International Airport (KLIA) here yesterday, Lukanisman said, “Food poisoning cases are among the challenges that demand attention as they often leave a huge impact on society. There must be consistent intervention (by the authorities) to ensure such occurrences are minimised.”
He added that the ministry was also turning to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in promoting food safety awareness across the country.
“I also urge the public to adopt the practice of ‘look, smell and taste’ when it comes to food to lower the risk of food poisoning.”
On another matter, Lukanisman said so far, there were no new cases of mpox reported in the country.
He said of the 62 suspected cases, there was only one positive case while 59 were negative and two others were under observation pending further laboratory tests.
Lukanisman said as there was a limited supply of mpox vaccines, it was only being administered to healthcare staff tasked with managing cases or suspected cases of the disease.
“We will intensify screenings at checkpoints. The sole patient with the disease is in isolation and being treated.
“The public should be aware that the disease spreads through those engaging in certain risky behaviour.
“We also advise operators of spas and beauty salons to be watchful and take preventive steps when offering their services,” he added.
Earlier, the deputy minister presented certificates of recognition to the operators of 96 eateries at KLIA and KLIA2 for maintaining high standards of hygiene.
