Latest news with #BeSS
Daily Express
21 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Express
66pc rise in Sabah food premises certified under BeSS
Published on: Tuesday, July 29, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jul 29, 2025 Text Size: Shahelmey (second from right) presenting a recognition certificate during a walkabout at Imago's BeBAS Zone. – Information Department photo Kota Kinabalu: Sabah has recorded a significant 66.6 per cent increase in food premises certified under the Clean, Safe and Healthy (BeSS) recognition programme since the introduction of the Premis Bersih Bebas Asap (BeBAS) initiative in 2024. Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Shahelmey Yahya (pic) said the number of BeSS-certified premises rose from 57 to 95, reflecting strong collaboration between stakeholders in ensuring food premises remain clean, safe, of high quality and smoke-free. 'From 2024, the Sabah Food Safety and Quality Division has received a surge in applications from chain restaurants and food premises statewide. 'This clearly shows the commitment from food operators to comply with stringent hygiene and safety standards. 'This effort not only boosts consumer confidence locally but also supports the growth of our food tourism sector,' he said when officiating the State-level World Food Safety Day 2025 celebration, here. Shahelmey said the World Health Organisation (WHO) reports hundreds of millions of food-borne illness cases yearly. 'In Malaysia, the 2023 National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) revealed links between dietary patterns and non-communicable diseases. 'Moreover, food poisoning remains a concern. We've also observed that many people, especially the elderly and adolescents, are still not attentive to food label reading. 'The Health Ministry (MOH) has introduced various interventions to safeguard public health and aims to shift from a sick-care to a health-care model. 'This is evident in the many impactful programmes and initiatives — certifications, recognitions, licensing and other services provided by KKM to the food sector,' he said. Shahelmey also urged consumers to play an active role in ensuring food safety. 'As consumers, we are part of the food safety chain. We must verify the accuracy of food-related information before sharing it. 'Keep yourself informed about food safety and practise simple concepts like 'Observe and Choose' and 'Look, Smell, Taste'. These are the most basic and effective ways to avoid food poisoning and ensure the food we consume is safe,' he added. Held annually on June 7, the 2025 World Food Safety Day carried the theme 'Food Safety Science in Action', highlighting the role of science in delivering safe food for all. The two-day programme also saw several eateries in Imago Shopping Mall awarded BeSS recognition plaques, acknowledging their success in meeting national food safety standards. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
21 hours ago
- Health
- Borneo Post
Sabah sees 66.6 pct jump in clean and safe food premises
Shahelmey (second from right) presenting a recognition certificate during a walkabout at Imago's BeBAS Zone. – Information Department photo KOTA KINABALU (July 28): Sabah has recorded a significant increase in Clean and Safe Recognition (BeSS) since the Smoke-Free Clean Premises (BeBAS) initiative was introduced in 2024. Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Ir Shahelmey Yahya stated that the number of food premises receiving certification has surged from 57 to 95, representing a 66.6 percent increase. This demonstrates that the BeBAS initiative implemented by the Malaysian Ministry of Health (KKM) reflects the commitment of various parties in ensuring food premises are clean, safe, high-quality and smoke-free. 'Starting in 2024 and continuing into 2025, the Sabah State Food Safety and Quality Division has received numerous applications from restaurants and chain food premises across Sabah,' he said. 'This shows a strong commitment from food operators in Sabah to ensure their premises meet high standards of hygiene and safety. These efforts not only boost the confidence of local consumers but also support our growing food tourism sector,' he added during his speech officiating the 2025 Sabah State-Level World Food Safety Day Celebration here on Sunday. He noted that the World Health Organization (WHO) reports hundreds of millions of cases of foodborne illnesses annually. 'In Malaysia, the 2023 National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) revealed a link between dietary patterns and non-communicable diseases. Additionally, food poisoning incidents remain a concern, and we find that a large segment of the population, particularly the elderly and teenagers, lack awareness about reading food product labels,' he explained. 'KKM implements various interventions to ensure the well-being of the people in this country, with the aspiration of transforming healthcare from sick care to health care. This is proven by the implementation of various high-impact programs and initiatives such as certification, recognition, licensing, and various other services by KKM for the food sector in Malaysia,' he elaborated. Furthermore, he called on consumers to play an active role in ensuring food safety. 'As consumers, we also play a crucial role in this food safety chain. We are responsible for verifying the authenticity of food safety-related information before sharing it. Always enhance your knowledge about food safety and practice the simple concepts of 'Observe and Choose' and 'Look, Smell, Taste'. These are the most basic and effective steps to avoid food poisoning and ensure the food we consume is safe,' he urged. The 2025 World Food Safety Day Celebration, themed 'Food Safety Science in Action,' is held annually on June 7 to highlight the role of science in ensuring safe food for all. The two-day program also saw several food premises at the Imago shopping mall receive BeSS recognition plaques as a symbol of their success in achieving the standards.
Borneo Post
a day ago
- Health
- Borneo Post
Sabah sees 66.6% jump in clean and safe food premises
Shahelmey (second from right) presenting a recognition certificate during a walkabout at Imago's BeBAS Zone. – Information Department photo KOTA KINABALU (July 28): Sabah has recorded a significant increase in Clean and Safe Recognition (BeSS) since the Smoke-Free Clean Premises (BeBAS) initiative was introduced in 2024. Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Ir Shahelmey Yahya stated that the number of food premises receiving certification has surged from 57 to 95, representing a 66.6 percent increase. This demonstrates that the BeBAS initiative implemented by the Malaysian Ministry of Health (KKM) reflects the commitment of various parties in ensuring food premises are clean, safe, high-quality and smoke-free. 'Starting in 2024 and continuing into 2025, the Sabah State Food Safety and Quality Division has received numerous applications from restaurants and chain food premises across Sabah,' he said. 'This shows a strong commitment from food operators in Sabah to ensure their premises meet high standards of hygiene and safety. These efforts not only boost the confidence of local consumers but also support our growing food tourism sector,' he added during his speech officiating the 2025 Sabah State-Level World Food Safety Day Celebration here on Sunday. He noted that the World Health Organization (WHO) reports hundreds of millions of cases of foodborne illnesses annually. 'In Malaysia, the 2023 National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) revealed a link between dietary patterns and non-communicable diseases. Additionally, food poisoning incidents remain a concern, and we find that a large segment of the population, particularly the elderly and teenagers, lack awareness about reading food product labels,' he explained. 'KKM implements various interventions to ensure the well-being of the people in this country, with the aspiration of transforming healthcare from sick care to health care. This is proven by the implementation of various high-impact programs and initiatives such as certification, recognition, licensing, and various other services by KKM for the food sector in Malaysia,' he elaborated. Furthermore, he called on consumers to play an active role in ensuring food safety. 'As consumers, we also play a crucial role in this food safety chain. We are responsible for verifying the authenticity of food safety-related information before sharing it. Always enhance your knowledge about food safety and practice the simple concepts of 'Observe and Choose' and 'Look, Smell, Taste'. These are the most basic and effective steps to avoid food poisoning and ensure the food we consume is safe,' he urged. The 2025 World Food Safety Day Celebration, themed 'Food Safety Science in Action,' is held annually on June 7 to highlight the role of science in ensuring safe food for all. The two-day program also saw several food premises at the Imago shopping mall receive BeSS recognition plaques as a symbol of their success in achieving the standards.
The Star
08-07-2025
- Health
- The Star
Govt finalising wait time plan
Issue at hospitals nationwide being reviewed in detail, says Zulkefly PUTRAJAYA: A plan to reduce frequent excessive waiting times at government hospitals nationwide is in the final phase of development, says Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad ( pic ). He added that his ministry had been looking into resolving the long-standing issue since last year even before he took over the minister's post. 'The matter is being reviewed in detail through engagement sessions with other relevant ministries and agencies and is in its final phase of development. When it is ready, we will make an official announcement. 'But for now, we ask that the people give us time to be thorough in solving this key issue,' he said at a press conference at the Safe Food Expo here yesterday. Dzulkefly declined to confirm whether the long waiting times were caused by a shortage in medical personnel. Earlier in his speech, he said that the rate of food poisoning cases in Malaysia has dropped by more than 20% so far this year compared to 2024. He added that 204 food poisoning cases were reported as of May this year, compared to 707 cases reported in 2024. 'This encouraging trend shows a slight decrease of 23% in food poisoning cases compared to the same period last year. We will continue our efforts to educate the public on the steps they can take to prevent food poisoning and hope to further enhance public knowledge on food safety. 'But we must remember that we ourselves are responsible for verifying the authenticity of information related to food safety and protecting ourselves from food poisoning,' he said. Dzulkefly added that the primary cause of food poisoning cases in the country are due to bacteria infections such as E. Coli and salmonella bacteria that is commonly found in undercooked or unsanitary food. He also said almost 2,000 eateries have managed to obtain Clean and Safe Recognition (BeSS) status, making the total number of eateries having the certificate to 13, 998 from 11,200 premises this year. He added that this 24.9% increase marked a significant positive milestone in improving food safety in the country with a show of unity from businesses. 'This shows the growing commitment of various stakeholders in the food industry to ensure safer and higher-quality food for Malaysians,' he said.
The Star
06-07-2025
- Health
- The Star
Shaping health-savvy graduates
EFFORTS are underway to foster a culture of health and prevention at the tertiary level, say two associations representing higher education institutions (HEIs). Describing the findings of the recently released National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2024: Nutrition as 'deeply concerning', National Association of Private Educational Institutions (NAPEI) president Datuk Lau Wai Cheng said many of the association's member institutions are integrating health-promoting initiatives into student life. Lau 'These range from campus-wide wellness days and health screenings to nutritional talks and partnerships with local healthcare providers,' she told StarEdu. Lau added that some institutions are embedding wellness modules and activities into co-curricular programmes. 'Students participate in stress management workshops and movement-based activities that support both concentration and mood,' she shared. IMU University Institute for Research, Development and Innovation director Prof Dr Winnie Chee Siew Swee said the university – a member of the Malaysian Association of Private Colleges and Universities (MAPCU) – has adopted a multifaceted approach to promoting healthier living among students and staff through elective modules, campus culture and infrastructure, as well as digital tools and nudges. 'This includes ensuring the student food court is certified as a Healthy Cafeteria and accredited for food safety (BeSS – Bersih dan Selamat) by the Health Ministry. Parmjit 'Foods served at the IMU cafeteria are calorie-labelled, and posters on healthy eating guidelines are displayed, along with messages encouraging smaller portion sizes. This has led to IMU winning state-level competitions held by the ministry for its healthy cafeteria,' she said. Raising the bar Commending IMU's approach, MAPCU president Datuk Parmjit Singh affirmed the need for HEIs to step up their focus and investment in promoting student and staff well-being. 'It is important to advocate a healthy lifestyle among students so they can achieve their fullest potential, without being weighed down by physical or mental health issues,' he said. Acknowledging that more can be done, Lau said outreach across the education sector is essential. 'Larger, better-equipped institutions are well-placed to offer support – whether by hosting students from smaller colleges on health-themed visits, sharing facilities for health screenings, or showcasing wellness innovations,' she said. Concerning nutrition, she highlighted the widespread availability of high-sugar, highly processed foods on campuses. 'NAPEI believes it is time to treat access to healthy, affordable food on campus as a baseline expectation – not a luxury. With active collaboration from the private sector and policy alignment, this is within reach,' she said. She also welcomed stronger government support for embedding health literacy into curricula. 'Students should graduate not only with academic qualifications but also with the capacity to make informed health choices,' she said. Prof Chee urged the Higher Education Ministry to integrate health promotion into national higher education frameworks, making wellness part of accreditation and quality assurance. 'Current emphasis on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in programme objectives and learning outcomes is a great initiative, and SDG 3 – good health and well-being – cannot be over-emphasised,' she said. She added that partnerships between universities and public health authorities can be strengthened through mobile clinics, nutrition education and screening services. She also recommended that HEIs encourage students to join sports-related activities to promote healthy living. 'The availability of facilities such as basketball and other sports courts, dance studios, and gymnasiums also helps to inculcate a healthy lifestyle,' she said. Prof Chee noted that lifestyle-related conditions are now emerging earlier. 'Health literacy and healthy lifestyle practices should be considered essential competencies for today's tertiary students. 'Preparing students for the future goes beyond equipping them with academic and technical knowledge – it must also ensure they can sustain their physical and mental well-being, which is foundational for lifelong productivity, resilience, and quality of life,' she said.
