The Education Ministry will immediately terminate the services of contractors under the Cooked Food Programme in residential schools if they are found to be the source of food poisoning cases.
Its minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid said the ministry would include that clause in the contract for food operators and suppliers, as part of the three scopes for improvement and specifications for these contractors, to be effective from June 1.
"Previously, we would set up a special committee to investigate such cases and the investigation would go through several assessment stages.
"But after this, the contractors who have been confirmed by the Health Ministry to have caused food poisoning will have their contracts terminated immediately," he said after making a special visit to Sekolah Menengah Sains Kubang Pasu, near here, today.
There are currently 1,310 food contracts for residential and day schools, and rural hostels.
Mahdzir said the ministry had to take that step to prevent food poisoning cases from recurring, with 98 cases last year, an increase of 35 from the previous year.
"Investigations conducted by the Health Ministry found that among the causes of the problem was food which was prepared in the hostel kitchens," he said.
Also improved is the criteria for the appointment of food managers and supervisors, depending on the category of the schools. For instance, for schools in the A category which have more than 600 students, the food managers must have a diploma in the relevant field and three years' work experience in food technology.
"The ministry has also decided to give contractors the opportunity to extend their contract for food supply from two to three years, subject to their performance and the recommendation of the schools," he said.
Mahdzir added that the ministry was also upgrading the safety standards for food preparation in schools through the Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Certification Pilot Programme for the kitchens of dining halls in fully-residential schools (SBP).
The programme is a collaboration between the Education Ministry and the Health Ministry, involving three SBPs, namely Sekolah Sultan Alam Shah in Putrajaya, Sekolah Menengah Sains Kubang Pasu and Sekolah Seri Puteri, Cyberjaya before it is extended to other SBPs in the country.
The GMP certification is given to food premises which observe the food safety control system through good practices to produce food which is safe and of quality.
Earlier, in his speech, Mahdzir said the ministry had allocated RM5 million to be distributed to 36,000 poor students under the SBP Special Project.
He said for SBPs in Perlis, Kedah and Penang, RM401,564 had been given to 906 poor students to lighten the burden of their families.
He also announced a maintenance allocation of RM1.67 million to 69 SBPs, as well as RM50,000 given to Sekolah Menengah Sains Kubang Pasu for maintenance works. -- Bernama
Bernama
Sun Apr 02 2017
Mahdzir speaks to some students at Sekolah Menengah Sains Kubang Pasu today, April 2, 2017. - fotoBERNAMA
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.