Gopeng MP calls for controls on food sold through e-commerce platforms

Pahang MP Tan Kar Hing has called for stricter controls on food sold through e-commerce platforms, expressing concerns that existing regulations may not be sufficient to oversee the growing factory-to-consumer (F2C) model. The Malaysian politician argued that food safety measures should encompass the entire supply chain, from production and processing to distribution and retail, including online sales.

During a debate on the Food (Amendment) Bill 2026, Tan questioned how proposed amendments to the Food Act 1983 would ensure risk assessment, random inspections, and follow-up actions for imported food from overseas suppliers. He highlighted examples of popular products like Indonesian basreng, kentang mustofa, sago tempe, and lap cheong, questioning whether their origins and ingredients could be verified.

The MP suggested that while the government already has regulations for food imports, additional powers would be needed to conduct field inspections of overseas food facilities. He also inquired about the health ministry's ability to handle the extra responsibilities, including manpower, laboratory capacity, and enforcement resources.

Tan proposed that Malaysia learn from the European Union and China, which have granted digital platforms greater responsibilities for traceability, labeling, and providing food information online, and that these platforms should act as gatekeepers, facing penalties if they fail to comply with food safety regulations.