Latest news with #Bersih
The Sun
a day ago
- Health
- The Sun
Poor hygiene blamed for rise in foodborne illnesses
PETALING JAYA: Food safety experts warn that poor hygiene in food preparation, such as using dirty chopping boards, can contribute to the spread of foodborne illnesses, which affect over a million people globally each day. They stress that food handlers play a vital role in preventing such outbreaks, provided hygiene protocols are strictly followed. Universiti Putra Malaysia food safety expert Dr Noor Azira Abdul Mutalib said consistent hygiene practices among food handlers are critical to reducing the 1.6 million daily cases of foodborne diseases reported by the World Health Organisation (WHO). 'The most crucial step in reducing the global burden of foodborne illnesses starts with food handlers themselves. It's essential that they not only understand food safety protocols but also apply them consistently in their daily operations,' she said. She called for more rigorous and frequent audits, particularly in public food establishments, due to the potential health risks involved. 'Food safety inspections must be carried out more stringently, especially in establishments where food is prepared for immediate public consumption.' Noor Azira added that inspection frequency could be tailored based on past hygiene performance, with stricter oversight for businesses that have previously failed to comply. She also expressed concern over smaller vendors and roadside stalls, which often operate with limited oversight. 'Small food vendors and stalls are often more vulnerable to food safety lapses as they may not receive proper food safety training and less frequent inspections. 'Their working conditions, such as exposure to pests, pollution, limited clean water and poor waste disposal, raise contamination risks, while many staff lack proper food hygiene knowledge due to insufficient training or certification.' While many food handlers in Malaysia understand basic hygiene principles, Noor Azira said applying them consistently remains a challenge, particularly in informal settings. 'Some food handlers often feel pressured to prepare food quickly while maintaining cleanliness, and long working hours can cause fatigue, reducing their motivation to follow proper hygiene practices.' She said Malaysia has a solid foundation for food safety training, with the Health Ministry's Food Safety and Quality Division leading initiatives such as the free BESS (Bersih, Selamat, Sihat) certification scheme to help ensure safe food preparation. 'However, the main issue is getting food handlers to consistently apply what they've learnt. Training should be improved to cover areas such as allergen management, food fraud, digital monitoring and pest control. 'It must also cater to street vendors, cloud kitchens and home-based operators, be available in multiple languages and include regular refresher courses.' Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia public health specialist Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh said Malaysia largely aligns with WHO food safety standards, supported by surveillance systems, online reporting tools and training for vendors. She said the Food Safety and Quality Division oversees national safety efforts, including monitoring foodborne illnesses and antimicrobial resistance in partnership with other agencies, academic institutions and industry players. 'These efforts include training programmes and implementation of the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point system in food service settings. 'Food and waterborne diseases, including food poisoning, are notifiable under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act. They are addressed through prevention, screening and proper management practices.' Sharifa said foodborne illnesses in Malaysia are widespread and caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, toxins or foreign objects in food. Symptoms typically include diarrhoea, vomiting and fever, posing higher risks to children, the elderly, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems. She added that contamination does not only stem from food but could also occur through unsafe water, animal contact or poor personal hygiene. WHO estimates that 1.6 million people globally fall ill each day due to unsafe food. In Malaysia, foodborne illnesses remain a serious concern. Last year, several notable outbreaks occurred, including 65 students falling ill in Kedah, two fatalities in Selangor, about 100 affected in Johor and a typhoid outbreak involving 10 students in Kelantan.
Free Malaysia Today
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
60 at rally to demand stepping down of MACC chief
Participants at the rally calling for MACC chief Azam Baki to resign. KUALA LUMPUR : Some 60 protesters marched to Dataran Merdeka tonight to call for Azam Baki, who recently had his tenure as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption commission chief extended, to step down. The participants, who included representatives from NGOs such as rights group Suaram, electoral reform group Bersih and political parties like Muda and Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM), marched from the Sogo shopping complex just after 8pm. Muda acting president Amira Aisya Abdul Aziz called for greater transparency from the government and not weaponise the anti-graft agency. 'This isn't the first time the people have gathered to reject Azam. Don't use MACC to protect ministers and their allies,' she told the crowd. A representative from the National Youth Federation, Hamdin Nordin, said they were seeking an explanation over the decision to classify the investigation into the death of political aide Teoh Beng Hock in 2009 as 'no further action'. On May 22, the Attorney-General's Chambers said it had studied the police's fresh investigation paper and found a lack of evidence to pin Teoh's death on anyone. Teoh was found dead on July 16, 2009 after falling from the fifth floor of Plaza Masalam in Shah Alam after being questioned for several hours by MACC officers. Azam had his tenure extended by a year, for the third time, earlier this month, drawing brickbats from anti-graft activists as well as PKR's Nurul Izzah Anwar, the daughter of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The MACC chief, who first took office in 2020, was given a one-year extension on May 10, 2023, and another one-year extension last year. Last night, Anwar defended the decision to extend Azam's contract, saying it would be difficult to find a successor bold enough to take down the 'big fish'.
Malaysiakini
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
Arutchelvan: Honour Shahrul's sacrifice
The passing of former acting Bersih chairperson Shahrul Aman Saari is a solemn reminder of the courage and sacrifice of countless ordinary Malaysians - beaten and imprisoned but undeterred in pursuing the dream of a freer, fairer nation. In a poignant reflection, PSM deputy chairperson S Arutchelvan posed a burning question: Have the very hands that once ignited the flame of change now extinguished it?
Daily Express
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Shahrul Aman, Ikram chairman and ex-Bersih deputy chair, dies at the National Cancer Institute
Published on: Monday, April 28, 2025 Published on: Mon, Apr 28, 2025 By: Malay Mail Text Size: Shahrul Aman Mohd Saari was diagnosed with cancer and died on April 28, 2028 at the National Cancer Institute in Kuala Lumpur, was known and loved by many for his tireless advocacy of transparency and accountability in public service. — Picture from Facebook/ Shahrul Aman Mohd Saari Kuala Lumpur: Reformist Shahrul Aman Mohd Saari who was secretary-general of Ikram Malaysia and a former leader of Bersih, died early this morning at the National Cancer Institute (IKN). His death marks a significant loss to the nation and the causes he stood for throughout his career. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed his sorrow over the loss on social media, highlighting Shahrul Aman's dedication to Malaysia's democratic reforms. 'I pray for his soul to be granted forgiveness, and for his family to be given the utmost strength during this time,' Anwar wrote. Shahrul Aman was well known for his active involvement in the civil rights movement and his leadership in the fight for electoral reforms through Bersih. His work left a lasting impact on Malaysia's political landscape, particularly in pushing for transparency and accountability in the electoral process. A Pakatan Harapan Youth leader Asmaaliff Abdul Adam also took to social media to share his last moments with the warded Shahrul Aman at the National Cancer Institute last night. 'This was the last image of Shahrul Aman Mohd Saari. At 11.30 pm last night, the three of us from ALP IKN came to visit him at IKN. Now we understand why Mohamad Saidy Ismail was so eager to visit him, as this was our final glimpse of him. May you rest in peace, brother,' Asmaaliff wrote. Shahrul Aman's passing leaves behind a legacy of tireless advocacy and a profound commitment to social justice. He is remembered for his unwavering dedication to making Malaysia a better place for future generations. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Malay Mail
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Ayer Kuning polls: Bersih free to report misuse of govt machinery to EC, says Perak MB
TAPAH, April 23 — The Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih) may submit an official report to the Election Commission (EC) if there is any misuse of government machinery during the Ayer Kuning state by-election campaign, said Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad. He said that any allegation involving violations of election regulations must be channelled through the proper avenues to allow for thorough investigations. 'Bersih can report to the EC, and let the EC decide,' he told reporters after attending a parenting seminar here today. Earlier, Bersih had reportedly claimed a breach of electoral principles following the presence of the Perak Menteri Besar at a recent 'Town Hall Bersama Anak Muda' programme at the Tapah Sports Complex, which was also attended by the Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate for the by-election, Dr Mohamad Yusri Bakir. Saarani denied that his presence at the event was intended for campaigning purposes, stating instead that he was there on an official invitation from the relevant department. He added that it is entirely permissible for the BN candidate to visit crowded public areas as part of legitimate efforts to engage voters. 'Wherever people are gathered, the election candidate should go and shake hands — it's the easiest opportunity for voter engagement,' he said. Meanwhile, commenting on Perikatan Nasional's (PN) latest allegation regarding the disposal of pig waste contaminating a river in Kampung Poh here, Saarani described it as an attempt to score political mileage. He said the situation reflects PN's lack of constructive ideas and accused the coalition of exploiting issues to stir unrest among the people. The Ayer Kuning by-election this Saturday sees a three-cornered contest between Mohamad Yusri, Perikatan Nasional candidate Abd Muhaimin Malek, and Bawani KS of Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM). — Bernama
