05-07-2025
DBKK to enforce stricter food hygiene standards
Lifred (14th from right) with Grade A-certified eateries at Centre Point.
KOTA KINABALU (July 5): Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) will enforce new and stricter food hygiene standards starting 1 July 2025, with full implementation set for January 2026.
Under the new guidelines, all food premises must achieve a minimum hygiene grading score of 60%, conduct pest control at least twice a year, ensure premises are free from cockroaches, flies, and rats, and maintain toilets at a minimum DBKK BMW (Bersih, Menawan, Wangi) four-star standard.
To support operators in meeting these requirements, DBKK will provide a six-month grace period, during which notices will be issued and guidance offered before full enforcement begins.
Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Sabin Samitah announced the measures during his speech at the inaugural World Food Safety Day celebration organised by DBKK at Centre Point Shopping Centre on Saturday. His speech was delivered by DBKK Director-General Datuk Lifred Wong.
Sabin emphasised that food safety is the foundation of public health and must never be taken lightly.
'Contaminated food can cause poisoning, foodborne illnesses, and in severe cases, even death. Food safety is a serious issue that must not be underestimated,' he stressed.
In addition to the new standards, DBKK will also tighten licensing conditions and step up monitoring through regular inspections to ensure compliance across all food premises.
Sabin emphasised that as one of the region's leading tourist destinations, Kota Kinabalu must uphold high food safety standards to project a healthy, clean and trusted image for both local and international visitors.
'Tourists come here not only to enjoy our beautiful natural surroundings but also to savour our renowned local cuisine. If we neglect food safety, it will not only jeopardise public health but also damage our tourism industry and the city's economy,' he said.
Sabin highlighted that food safety is also a global priority aligned with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
SDG 2: Zero Hunger – by ensuring safe and nutritious food is accessible to all,
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – by preventing foodborne diseases, and
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – by promoting sustainable food handling and production practices.
He urged all food premises owners and operators to cooperate fully with DBKK to meet food safety requirements.
'Emphasis on food safety is non-negotiable. It impacts not only individual health but the overall well-being of our community,' he said.
Sabin encouraged food operators to adopt proactive hygiene practices, stressing that cleanliness is a long-term investment in business reputation and sustainability, not just a regulatory obligation.
From January to June 2025, DBKK inspected 1,009 food premises: 340 were awarded Grade A, 662 received Grade B, and seven received Grade C.
Compared to the same period last year—with 1,133 inspections yielding 326 Grade A, 798 Grade B, and nine Grade C — the data indicates improving hygiene standards.
'With these new licensing conditions, I am confident we can maintain high cleanliness standards at food premises and their toilets,' said Sabin.
He added that DBKK is enhancing strategic partnerships through joint inspections with the Kota Kinabalu District Health Office and the Sabah Sewerage Services Department.
In the first half of 2025, DBKK issued 297 compounds to errant premises.
'We are also ramping up engagement sessions with stakeholders, including chambers of commerce, restaurant and coffee shop associations, and food operators, to build awareness and commitment toward higher hygiene standards,' he added.
Sabin said the celebration, themed 'Food Safety is Everyone's Responsibility,' is a reminder that food safety is a shared responsibility between government agencies, the food industry, operators, consumers, and the wider community.
Objectives of the celebration included: Raising food premises' cleanliness standards, strengthening food handlers' knowledge through health education and integrated inspections, enforcing pest control measures, improving the cleanliness of food premises toilets, and enhancing Kota Kinabalu's image as a clean and safe city for food safety.
Activities included health talks by the Kota Kinabalu District Health Office, District Dental Health Office, Universiti Malaysia Sabah Hospital, PEMADAM Kota Kinabalu, and DBKK. There were also colouring contests, quizzes, exhibitions, and basic health screenings to promote health awareness and public education.
Sabin expressed appreciation to all parties supporting DBKK's continued efforts to safeguard food safety in the city.
