The Health Ministry will take samples of wheat flour claimed to contain harmful bleaching agent, for analysis soonest possible.
Its minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam said if the flour samples were found to contain bleaching agent above the amount allowed by the ministry's Food Quality and Security Division, the sale of the flour would be withdrawn.
"It is an offence under the law to use a non-permitted chemical substance to change the colour of flour. If also proven use of a chemical substance above the permitted level, we will take action including withdrawing the sale of the flour and stopping the manufacturing operations, and we will also take legal action."
Dr Subramaniam said this to reporters after attending the Ponggal Festival at the MIC headquarters here today, in response to the list of flour claimed to contain bleaching agent that could be detrimental to health, issued by the Muslim Consumers Association of Malaysia (PPIM).
Asked on the Misoprostol (Cytotec) pill claimed could cause foetal abortion and being sold online, he said this would be difficult to detect and acted upon as it involved sale from abroad.
"Pills like this require a doctor's prescription. If the Internet sale is made in this country, we can detect it and take action. In some cases, the sales take place abroad or the pills come through the post. That is the challenge we face."
Hence, he said, the ministry would always work together with the Royal Customs Department and police to detect any package containing such pills and it would find out whether these pills were being sold in the country.
Selling of the pills meant to treat gastric pain is hotly discussed in the social media as these pills could be easily obtained through online purchase.
On another development, Dr Subramaniam said the appointment of 2,600 medical, dental and pharmacology graduates on contractual basis in the government sector had been made in stages from December, last year.
"However, filling up of the contractual posts depends on how fast the Public Service Department can create these posts," he said.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, when tabling the 2017 Budget, had announced the apppointment of 2,600 graduates in the three fields on a contractual basis by December, 2016 due to the shortage of permanent posts. - BERNAMA
Bernama
Sun Jan 15 2017
Dr Subramaniam performing a ritual at the Ponggal Festival at the MIC headquarters here today. - BERNAMApic
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.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.