Food Act overhaul: Online sales, pesticide residues and unsafe packaging now under tighter watch

Malaysia's Dewan Rakyat approved the Food (Amendment) Bill 2026 to bolster food safety and quality standards across the nation. The amendments, a first comprehensive review of the Food Act 1983, involve increased penalties, controls on food contact materials, monitoring of online food sales, and monitoring of pesticide residue levels in local produce.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad clarified that the tougher penalties aim to deter serious violations and protect public health, rather than burdening food operators or small traders. He cited examples of severe penalties not matching the gravity of offenses such as the 2018 laksa kebok incident that claimed two lives and resulted in a fine of only RM1,500.

The bill also introduces a risk-based approach to enforcement, wherein minor infractions are first handled through advice and education, while serious breaches could result in immediate court action. Online food sales compliance is a major concern, with 23,553 requests to block accounts and platforms submitted between 2023 and September 2026.

The amendments empower the Director-General of Health to swiftly close premises or disclose dangerous product information without court orders, particularly in cases involving false addresses. Concerns over pesticide residue levels in vegetables are rising, with non-compliance rates increasing from 9% in 2023 to 14.1% between January and June 2026.

Dzulkefly assured that a grace period and educational enforcement measures would be implemented during the transition to the amended act to prevent industry and small trader disruption. The use of body cameras and the Malaysia Food Safety Information System (FoSIM) has been in place since 2022 to enhance transparency and curb corruption among authorized officers. The debate on the bill adjourned for the Budget 2027 session.