KUCHING: Foodborne diseases are placing a significant burden on Malaysia’s public health system and economy, costing billions of ringgit annually through medical expenses and lost productivity, says Sarawak Health Department (JKNS) director Dr Veronica Lugah.
She said foodborne illnesses were far more serious than common stomach upsets, encompassing more than 200 diseases ranging from acute diarrhoea to illnesses that increase the risk of cancer.
“This affects livelihoods, education, and causes the national economy losses worth billions of ringgit due to medical costs and reduced productivity,” she said when launching the Sarawak-level World Food Safety Day 2026 celebration at the Kuching Waterfront this morning (July 5).
Dr Veronica said this year marked the first time the World Health Organization (WHO) had released estimated data on the burden of foodborne diseases at the national level, providing a stronger data foundation for action.
Apart from that, she noted that the food safety risk landscape was becoming increasingly challenging, with climate change accelerating the growth of harmful bacteria, viruses and toxins in soil, water and the food chain.
She also called for stronger multi-sectoral collaboration among agencies to monitor the cleanliness of food premises and the safety of clean water sources, while urging restaurant operators to prioritise integrity over profit by adopting Good Hygiene Practices (GHP).
Similarly, Dr Veronica also urged the public to practise the WHO’s Five Keys to Safer Food, stay alert to food recalls or product safety warnings, and not hesitate to report unclean premises to the department.
