Malaysia proposes Food Amendment Bill 2026 to expand health enforcement

The Malaysian government has proposed the Food (Amendment) Bill 2026 to expand the powers of the Director General of Health to ensure public safety. During the second reading in the Dewan Rakyat, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad stated that the 39-clause bill aims to address modern food safety challenges that current provisions under the Food Act 1983 can no longer meet.

Key proposals include allowing the Director General of Health to publish information regarding food products that do not comply with the Act via print or electronic media without requiring a court order. Additionally, a new Section 11A would grant the Director General the authority to close premises that prepare or sell food containing substances harmful to health.

The amendment also seeks to strengthen enforcement by granting authorized officers expanded powers to conduct investigations, including access to digital data, computer records, and online transaction information. Officers would also be empowered to inspect records and documents related to food advertising, including at premises that produce such advertisements.