KUALA LUMPUR: The food industry will be given a reasonable grace period to prepare for new requirements under the Food (Amendment) Bill 2026, says Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
The Health Minister said the transition period was necessary as several new provisions would have direct implications on the domestic and international food preparation and trade sectors.
"Therefore, a reasonable and appropriate grace period will be given to the industry," he said during the winding-up debate on the Bill in the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday (Oct 8).
He said enforcement would also be carried out in phases, particularly for new regulations that need to be formulated, such as provisions relating to "presumption for sale" and the setting of fees.
"The ministry will determine the effective date for each phase after careful and prudent consideration to ensure a smooth transition without burdening the industry," Dzulkefly added.
He also said that the Health Ministry would emphasise education enforcement at the ground level throughout the transition period.
Dzulkefly also stressed that the proposed increase in penalties in the Bill was not intended to punish or burden food operators, but to deter offences and protect consumers.
"The increase in penalties is not intended to burden any particular party, but to protect consumers for the wellbeing of the people.
"Increasing the penalties is also appropriate to provide a deterrent effect against violations of any provision of Act 281, particularly repeat offences," he said.
Dzulkefly said the existing penalties had not been amended for 43 years and were no longer commensurate with some offences.
He said the ministry will use a risk-based approach, with minor technical offences receiving health education advice while serious offences threatening public health could result in immediate closure.
"For action against repeat offenders, there is no compromise for persistent offenders. The Health Ministry will no longer offer compounds," he said.
"Instead, the case will proceed directly to court and be placed on a strict monitoring list or blacklist," he added.
The Bill was passed by the Dewan Rakyat after its second reading through a voice vote without any issue on Thursday.
It was first tabled in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday (Oct 5).
