A STATE-level Walkabout Programme of BeBAS (Clean, Smoke-Free) involving 46 food premises was held at two popular food complexes here in George Town on Oct 27.
During checks by relevant authorities at the Medan Renong and Light Street food complexes, 34 out of the 46 premises were recognised as ‘Bersih dan Selamat’ (BeSS).
The BeSS recognition, issued by the Ministry of Health (MoH), is granted to food premises found to have adhered to all the safety food measures, acknowledging their commitment to maintaining cleanliness.
This recognition is also in compliance with requirements under the Food Hygiene Regulations 2009.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni led the walkabout, accompanied by state Youth, Sports, and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen and state Health director Dr Fazilah Shaikh Allaudin.
Around 150 eatery operators and consumer group representatives attended the event.
During the dialogue, Dr Fazilah revealed that from January to September this year, 7,839 individuals were fined for smoking and vaping in non-smoking areas in Penang, with 46.7% of offences at eateries.
Some RM1.11 million compounds were issued during this period under the Control Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), which was enforced on Oct 1 this year.
The Act enforces stringent controls on the use, sale, and display of smoking products across Malaysia.
On the programme, Lukanisman said it was important for eateries to upkeep the standard of cleanliness and safety of their food outlets to gain confidence among the customers.
“This BeSS recognition is not a popularity game but to ensure the food operators provide a clean and safe environment for customers, be it dine-in or takeaway,” he said.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi