Sabah and Sarawak rights cited in Food Bill debate

Members of Parliament have raised concerns regarding the Food (Amendment) Bill 2026, emphasizing that the legislative process must respect the constitutional rights and jurisdictions of Sabah and Sarawak.

Tuaran MP Wilfred Madius Tangau has called for the bill to be referred to the House of Representatives' Special Select Committee on Health. He noted that official consultations with the Sabah state government appeared not to have been conducted, with the Ministry of Health reportedly only engaging with certain state ministry officials rather than the state government itself. Tangau argued that because matters such as food adulteration fall under the Concurrent List and List IIIA, the bill's expansion of regulations over food contact materials, labeling, and penalties requires strict adherence to Articles 79 and 161E of the Federal Constitution.

Keningau MP Jeffrey Kitingan also stressed that while strengthening food safety is necessary to address modern industry changes like digital advertising and online sales, Sabah and Sarawak must be included as partners in food safety governance. Kitingan highlighted that implementation must account for local realities in East Malaysia, such as vast rural areas, logistics costs, and the needs of micro and small enterprises, suggesting a joint enforcement mechanism between the Federal government and the state governments.