Malaysia joins Asia-Pacific food regulators' summit to strengthen food safety governance
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia has joined the Asia-Pacific Food Regulatory Authority Summit (APFRAS) to strengthen its regional role in transforming food safety governance through digitalisation.
Malaysia has joined the Asia-Pacific Food Regulatory Authority Summit (APFRAS) to bolster its regional role in advancing food safety governance through digitalization. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad announced that the Cabinet formally endorsed Malaysia's membership during a meeting on June 12. This participation underscores Malaysia's role as a Smart Gatekeeper at the regional level.
The Health Minister highlighted that Malaysia will spearhead the digital transformation of food safety governance, oversee the use of biodegradable packaging materials, and harmonize legislation for new food innovations.
Speaking at the APFRAS membership signing ceremony, which coincided with the opening of the 2026 Food Safety Conference themed "New Innovations and Technologies – Challenges or Opportunities?", Dzulkefly emphasized the alignment of APFRAS membership with Malaysia's National Food Safety Policy and National Food Security Policy. He pointed out that the surge in food imports, which grew by 85% over a decade from RM42.6 billion in 2013 to RM78.9 billion in 2023, necessitates addressing complex global supply chains spanning multiple national borders.
To tackle these challenges, the Health Ministry is investigating technologies like artificial intelligence and predictive analytics to improve the efficiency of safety monitoring and control at entry points. The two-day conference, organized by the Food Safety and Quality Programme, convened more than 300 participants to discuss food safety challenges, evidence-based control, and innovation.
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