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Daily Express
3 days ago
- Health
- Daily Express
66pc rise in Sabah food premises certified under BeSS
Published on: Tuesday, July 29, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jul 29, 2025 Text Size: Shahelmey (second from right) presenting a recognition certificate during a walkabout at Imago's BeBAS Zone. – Information Department photo Kota Kinabalu: Sabah has recorded a significant 66.6 per cent increase in food premises certified under the Clean, Safe and Healthy (BeSS) recognition programme since the introduction of the Premis Bersih Bebas Asap (BeBAS) initiative in 2024. Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Shahelmey Yahya (pic) said the number of BeSS-certified premises rose from 57 to 95, reflecting strong collaboration between stakeholders in ensuring food premises remain clean, safe, of high quality and smoke-free. 'From 2024, the Sabah Food Safety and Quality Division has received a surge in applications from chain restaurants and food premises statewide. 'This clearly shows the commitment from food operators to comply with stringent hygiene and safety standards. 'This effort not only boosts consumer confidence locally but also supports the growth of our food tourism sector,' he said when officiating the State-level World Food Safety Day 2025 celebration, here. Shahelmey said the World Health Organisation (WHO) reports hundreds of millions of food-borne illness cases yearly. 'In Malaysia, the 2023 National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) revealed links between dietary patterns and non-communicable diseases. 'Moreover, food poisoning remains a concern. We've also observed that many people, especially the elderly and adolescents, are still not attentive to food label reading. 'The Health Ministry (MOH) has introduced various interventions to safeguard public health and aims to shift from a sick-care to a health-care model. 'This is evident in the many impactful programmes and initiatives — certifications, recognitions, licensing and other services provided by KKM to the food sector,' he said. Shahelmey also urged consumers to play an active role in ensuring food safety. 'As consumers, we are part of the food safety chain. We must verify the accuracy of food-related information before sharing it. 'Keep yourself informed about food safety and practise simple concepts like 'Observe and Choose' and 'Look, Smell, Taste'. These are the most basic and effective ways to avoid food poisoning and ensure the food we consume is safe,' he added. Held annually on June 7, the 2025 World Food Safety Day carried the theme 'Food Safety Science in Action', highlighting the role of science in delivering safe food for all. The two-day programme also saw several eateries in Imago Shopping Mall awarded BeSS recognition plaques, acknowledging their success in meeting national food safety standards. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * 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
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Borneo Post
Big cash prizes await top entries of MPKS' public toilet competition
Abang Ismawi (fifth right), Gustian (fourth right), Sim (fourth left) and others jointly promote the 'Tandas BMW 2025' campaign. KOTA SAMARAHAN (July 28): The Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) is offering attractive cash prizes for its 'Clean, Attractive and Fragrant Public Toilet Competition 2025' in a bid to elevate the sanitation standards in areas under its jurisdiction. Speaking during the official announcement of 'Tandas Bersih, Menawan & Wangi (BMW) 2025' today, MPKS chairman Abang Ismawi Abang Ali said the cleanliness of public toilets reflected not only community hygiene, but also the overall well-being and civic image of its residents. 'At MPKS, we take cleanliness seriously, especially in public premises including the toilets. 'Dirty, unsafe or uncomfortable facilities affect public perception of how hygiene is maintained in general,' he said during the press conference on the programme. The competition seeks to encourage the adoption of systematic and high-quality toilet maintenance practices, as well as foster a lasting culture of cleanliness among the people of Samarahan. Six categories will be contested under MPKS' jurisdiction: primary and secondary schools; food premises; places of worship; petrol stations; shopping centres; and hotels. Each category offers RM3,000 for first place, RM2,000 for second, RM1,000 for third, and RM700 as consolation each for those placing fourth to 10th. Assessments will be taking place from early August to early September, with the toilets judged based on the 'BMW' criteria: cleanliness, attractiveness, and fragrance. 'We hope all premises involved would give full cooperation throughout the evaluation process,' said Abang Ismawi, expressing optimism that continued commitment could position Kota Samarahan as a model city for safety, health and cleanliness. Also present at the press conference were MPKS deputy chairman Daily Joseph; secretary Gustian Durani; infrastructure, building control and landscaping committee chairman Datuk Sim Kiang Chiok; and market and hawker committee chairman Aziz Mohamad. On another matter, Abang Ismawi said property owners, business operators and developers must adhere to the provisions outlined in the Sarawak Building Ordinance 1999 and obtain prior approval from the State Planning Authority before commencing any construction work. He emphasised that MPKS would continue enforcing strict surveillance of illegal building activities through ongoing inspections by enforcement personnel and public complaints. 'As of July, MPKS has recorded a total of 28 cases and we hope to see a decline in future complaints, as each report is treated with utmost seriousness. 'Together, we can transform Kota Samarahan into a smart city for a greater future,' he said.
Business Recorder
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
CM briefed about ‘Model Village', ‘Suthra Punjab'
LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif chaired a special meeting for a briefing on Model Village, 'Suthra' (Clean) Punjab and Waste to Value Projects. She reviewed the progress made so far on a project to develop 1200 model villages in Punjab. She said,'24/7 water supply, complete sewage network and waste management treatment plant will be built in every model village.' She added, 'Punjab's model village will also have paved streets, road rehabilitation, children's park and tree plantation. Houses will be numbered and signboards will also be installed in model villages.' The Chief Minister was briefed by the authorities concerned on solar system-powered water supply and sewage system model for the model villages. She was apprised that development projects in 130 villages of the pilot phase under model village project have been completed. The CM sought a deadline for the early completion of model village project, and said, 'Priority will be determined in the model village project by keeping in mind public needs of the area. Every village will be fully developed under Model Village Project.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Straits Times
24-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
China a critical partner to Europe, Xinhua says hours before leaders meet
Find out what's new on ST website and app. FILE PHOTO: A staff member prepares for the arrival of Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang and EU Executive Vice-President for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, Teresa Ribera during China-EU Sixth High-Level Environment and Climate Dialogue (HECD) at the Diaoyutai State Guest House in Beijing on July 14, 2025. Wang Zhao/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo BEIJING - China is a "critical partner" to Europe with a range of shared interests, state news agency Xinhua said in a commentary piece, downplaying Beijing's rivalry with the European Union bloc hours before a key summit between leaders of both sides on Thursday. "As the international landscape grows increasingly fraught, the anniversary offers a timely reminder: China is a critical partner to Europe, not a systemic rival," Xinhua wrote, underscoring the conciliatory tone China appeared to be willing to take during the summit if the EU corresponded. Xinhua said the distinction between partner and rival mattered, pointing out common interests including trade, climate, and global governance. "These areas of common ground should not be eclipsed by isolated points of friction," it said. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa are in Beijing for high-level meetings with China's President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. The summit, marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the EU and China, will be dominated by trade tensions over electric vehicles, market access and Chinese industrial overcapacity. Expectations for the summit are low after weeks of escalating tensions over tit-for-tat trade disputes, hawkish rhetoric from EU leaders and wrangling over the format of the summit, which was abruptly shortened from two days to one at Beijing's request. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. World Trump was told he is in Epstein files, Wall Street Journal reports Opinion The US dollar is down, but it has a lot going for it Singapore Judge asks prosecution for more information on Kpods in first case involving etomidate-laced vapes Singapore Singapore Oceanarium will enhance tourism while supporting sustainability: Grace Fu Singapore 5 teens arrested for threatening boy with knife, 2 charged with causing hurt Singapore Over 1.15 million Singaporeans aged 21 to 59 have claimed SG60 vouchers Opinion Cinemas struggle in a world that cannot sit still Asia Japan PM Ishiba refutes reports of imminent resignation after surprise US trade deal "Like all major economic players, China and the EU do not agree on everything. But disagreement does not equal confrontation," Xinhua said, adding that the relationship needs more trust. REUTERS
India Today
18-07-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Uttar Pradesh tops cleanliness survey, Lucknow wins presidential award
In a landmark achievement, Uttar Pradesh has claimed top honours in the Swachh Survekshan 202425. The state stood out across multiple categories in the ninth edition of the cleanliness survey, with its awards being presented at a ceremony at Delhi's Vigyan Bhawan by President Droupadi Murmu. Cabinet Minister A.K. Sharma received the awards on behalf of the state. Lucknow secured third place among cities with over one million residents and achieved a historic 7star Garbage Free City (GFC) rating. The presidential award for Lucknow marked a major milestone in urban sanitation in Uttar Lucknow, other cities in the state earned top recognition: Prayagraj was honoured as the Cleanest Ganga City, Agra was declared an Emerging Clean City, and Gorakhpur secured strong ranks in both the Safaimitra Safe City category and for midsize urban cleanliness. Prayagraj was praised for its sanitation efforts during Mahakumbh 2025, while Gorakhpur earned a 5star GFC rating and ranked high in the 3–10 lakh population class. Agra entered the top thirty nationally and received a 5star GFC certification, showcasing its growing commitment to urban cleanup efforts have also reached smaller cities: Moradabad ranked tenth nationally, Bijnor's municipal council placed twenty-ninth, and Shamshabad stood at ninety-fifth, showing a wide implementation of sanitation initiatives across Uttar Pradesh. Honoured for its innovations during Mahakumbh 2025, the state's success is due to effective coordination between urban bodies, diligent monitoring, and public cooperation. Urban Development Minister A.K. Sharma highlighted that these awards reflect Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's commitment to creating clean cities. Special Secretary Anuj Jha reported an increase in door-to-door waste collection from 48% to 62% and waste processing from 48% to over 85%. With advancements like GFC certification and progress in ODF++ and Water+, Uttar Pradesh is on the path to becoming India's leader in urban sanitation.- Ends advertisement
