MUKAH: All ice factories engaged in commercial ice production are required to obtain an ice licence from the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH).
This regulation is based on Section 394A(4) of the Food Regulations of 1985.
Premises involved in ice processing are also subject to specific provisions under the Food Hygiene Regulations 2009, including the implementation of a documented food safety assurance programme.
According to Mukah health officer Dr Huzaimah Husin, the primary objective of ice licensing is to ensure that the supplied ice sources are safe and of high quality for local entrepreneurs.
“The standards for water compliance must adhere to physical, chemical, bacteriological, and radioactive content as specified in Schedule 25A, Food Regulations 1985.
“Procedures for obtaining MOH ice licences include verification, guidance for factory operations, and sampling of water and ice to ensure the safety of both sources.
“The validity period for MOH ice licences is one year from the date of issuance,” she said in a statement.
As such, interested ice factories can apply for licences through the MOH website at https://fosim.moh.gov.my, with an application fee of RM30. Licence holders are obligated to conduct self-monitoring of water and ice safety and quality at least once a year.
If factories fail to carry out self-monitoring, their licences may be suspended.
Dr Huzaimah stressed that renewal applications for MOH ice licences should be submitted at least three to six months before the expiration date.
“Possession and operation of ice facilities without MOH licences may result in enforcement actions, including fines not exceeding RM10,000 or imprisonment for up to two years.”
Concerned individuals regarding food safety issues can contact local health offices or file complaints on the official website, http://moh.spab.gov.my
Additional information is available on the official Facebook page of the Food Safety and Quality Division (FSQD) at www.facebook.com/bkkmhq
