Dept to clamp down on unlicensed water vending machines

KUCHING: The Health Department will clamp down on unlicensed water vending machines found across Sarawak with operations starting on Monday (July 16).

A press release from the department said the operation includes inspection and seizure of machines if owners do not apply for a licence from the ministry.

The Ministry of Health has to date only issued 53 water vending machine licences although there are an estimated 600 machines found throughout Sarawak.

Director Dr Jamilah Hassim said under Regulation 360C, Food Regulations 1985, the licensing of such machines was gazetted on Sept 24, 2012 and has been enforced since Jan 1, 2016.

Under the provisions of the regulation, no one can manage water vending machines for trade or business unless licensed to do so by the ministry.

Jamilah stressed all machine owners must apply for the licence from the ministry.

“District and divisional health offices have contacted the machine operators or their representatives that were identified for guidance towards obtaining the licence,” she said.

“Unlicensed owners can be fined not more than RM10,000 or jailed not more than two years.”

She said water vending machine owners can obtain further information on getting a licence by contacting the nearest district or divisional health office.

Consumers can easily identify licensed water vending machines by looking for the ministry’s sticker.

Those in doubt on the cleanliness of the water vending machines can file a complaint through the district or divisional health office, or via moh. spab.gov.my, or the Facebook page.