Latest news with #SafeFoodExpo
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.
New Straits Times
05-07-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Health Ministry in final phase of tackling long hospital wait times
PUTRAJAYA: The Health Ministry is in the final stages of resolving the issue of long waiting times for patients seeking treatment at government hospitals, particularly those who wait more than six hours. Its minister, Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, said the ministry is thoroughly reviewing the matter through engagement sessions with relevant ministries and agencies before making any official announcement. However, he noted that the issue of long waiting times has been addressed since last year, including during his current tenure. "Please give us a little more time, as we are now in the final phase," he told reporters after officiating the national level Safe Food Expo (eMas) at a shopping complex here today. The eMas Expo, held in conjunction with World Food Safety Day, aims to protect consumer health while supporting smooth international food trade. Meanwhile, when asked whether the long waiting times at government hospitals were due to a shortage of medical personnel, including doctors and nurses opting to work in the private sector, Dzulkefly declined to elaborate. "I do not wish to comment further, as this matter has been explained to the media repeatedly… please wait for an official statement from the ministry," he said.
The Star
05-07-2025
- Health
- The Star
Food poisoning incidents down 20% compared to same period last year, says Health Ministry
PUTRAJAYA: The rate of food poisoning cases in Malaysia has reduced by over 20% so far this year compared to the same period in 2024, says Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. The Health Minister said that only 204 food poisoning cases have been reported as of May 2025, compared to the total number of 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," he said in his speech at the Safe Food Expo here on Saturday (July 5). He said the primary cause of food poisoning cases in the country was from bacterial infection such as E. coli and salmonella, commonly found in undercooked or unsanitary food. Dzulkefly also said almost 2,000 more eateries have managed to obtain Clean and Safe Recognition (BeSS), increasing from 11,200 to 13,998 certified premises so far this year. "We promise to further support this movement and other food related initiatives through policy decisions and food safety strategies that continue to be based on scientific knowledge, current technological developments and risk assessment," he said.
