KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 8 2026: Puncak Borneo Member of Parliament Willie Mongin has proposed, as a long-term measure, the creation of a Malaysia Food Security Framework 2030 under the Food Act 1983.
To strengthen the national food security framework, he also proposed enhancing the digital traceability system by expanding the Food Security Information System of Malaysia (FoSIM) platform into a National Food Safety Data and Traceability System, capable of recording digital profiles for high-risk products.
He said a mandatory product recall system must also be established to ensure hazardous food products can be systematically withdrawn from the market, rather than relying entirely on voluntary action by manufacturers.
Furthermore, he emphasized the principle of primary manufacturer responsibility in ensuring the safety of marketed products and called for stricter action against intentional food fraud.
At the same time, he also suggested that Malaysia examine international best practices, including those from the United States, European Union, China, and Singapore, and adapt them to the local context to develop a food safety regulatory system that is more modern, effective, and inclusive. –
Debating the Food (Amendment) Bill 2026 in Parliament today, Willie said the national food security system needs to be modernized in tandem with the evolving business ecosystem, without sidelining the role of small traders and micro-enterprises.
He said the Bill should be supported to ensure food security controls remain relevant in addressing current challenges.
He welcomed the introduction of Section 11A—which stipulates penalties of up to 10 years' imprisonment or fines of up to RM500,000 for related offenses—as well as Section 8A(1), which empowers officers to access digital information and data.
However, he noted that the implementation of the law must be balanced with an approach focused on guidance and awareness, rather than being solely punitive towards local small traders. “We cannot simply blame them; instead, we need to provide guidance, raise awareness, and offer instructions on safe food processing, packaging, and distribution in compliance with regulations before enforcing these amendments.
“It would be unfair for punitive action to precede education,” he said.
Willie urged the federal government to hold specific discussions with state governments, particularly the State Attorney-General’s (SAG) offices of Sabah and Sarawak, given that food security falls under the Concurrent List.
Meanwhile, Batang Sadong Member of Parliament Rodiyah Sapiee said the implementation of the proposed amendments to the Food Bill 2026 must take into account the capabilities of small-scale traders, particularly rural entrepreneurs in Sarawak.
She welcomed the amendments, including the introduction of the "Food Contact Materials" concept, which ensures that food safety standards extend to the packaging materials and containers used.
However, she emphasized that the implementation of these new standards must consider the situation of small traders who still rely on traditional packaging methods.
"We must ensure that a sound policy formulated at the federal level does not become overly difficult for small hawkers and rural entrepreneurs to implement," she said.
She noted that Sarawak holds immense potential in the production of local food items, such as kek lapis (layered cake), gula apong (nipah palm sugar), and keropok (fish crackers)—by small traders and rural entrepreneurs.
Consequently, she urged the Ministry of Health (MoH) to provide a transition period, guidelines, and appropriate support to assist traders in meeting the new requirements.
Rodiyah also called on the MoH to strengthen the monitoring of food sales via digital platforms and to enhance enforcement cooperation with relevant agencies.
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