Welcome to the latest Diwali edition of“Food for Thought”!
Stay informed and make smart choices for your restaurant with this newsletter! Get the latest on Sabah’s new investor-friendly policies, find out what DBKK’s stricter hygiene rules mean for you, and learn how Malaysia’s no-smoking law affects dining areas. Stay ahead of the 40-sen sugar tax and its impact on prices. Be aware and ahead of your neighbor!
Sabah’s Investor friendly policies might make you want to open a new Restaurant
Sabah’s investor-friendly policies are drawing big names, with McDonald's Malaysia opening a new drive-thru in Tuaran. This signals promising opportunities for businesses, as Sabah eyes further expansion under its growth-focused initiatives. For more details, click here.
DBKK Tightens Hygiene Standards for Eateries
Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) has announced strict hygiene enforcement in eateries, with Mayor Datuk Seri Dr. Sabin Samitah pledging routine inspections and penalties for non-compliance. Operators must meet DBKK’s food safety standards, maintain cleanliness, and ensure staff have valid Health Cards. Violations could result in fines, with some food facilities recently shut down due to unsanitary conditions. Click here to read more.
Malaysia's New No-Smoking Law Puts Pressure on Restaurant Owners
Malaysia’s new smoking law under Act 852, effective October 1, mandates restaurant owners to prevent smoking on their premises with clear signage and ashtray bans. Owners face fines if violations occur, though they can report non-compliant patrons through a Health Ministry hotline. More phases of this law will roll out over the next year, targeting the display of tobacco products. Click here to read the full story.
Sugar Tax on Drinks: Traditional Foods Unaffected, Vendors Urged Not to Raise Prices
Malaysia’s upcoming 40-sen-per-litre excise duty on sugary drinks targets high-sugar beverages, not regular granulated sugar in traditional dishes. The government emphasizes that the tax aims to reduce obesity, with a push for sugar-free drink options. Food vendors are advised against using the tax as an excuse to hike food prices. Click here to read more.
