Crackdown on sale of zamzam water

Ministry conducts nationwide sweep after Saudi embassy issues ban

PUTRAJAYA: The Health Ministry is conducting a sweep on the sale of zamzam water following a ban issued by the Saudi Arabian Embassy against the sale of the water found in shops nationwide.

Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said anyone caught selling zamzam water faces a fine not exceeding RM10,000 or a jail term of not more than two years under the Food Regulations 1985.

From 2012 to October this year, the ministry confiscated RM58,192 worth of zamzam water, he said in a statement.

He added that the matter was agreed by the Malaysian Islamic Development Department and the Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism Ministry, as enforcement was under the jurisdiction of the Health Ministry.

He said the ministry, through the Food Safety and Quality Division, was taking action against the sale of zamzam water under Section 4(1)(f ) of the Food Act.

According to him, zamzam water, which is obtained underground, is categorised as natural mineral water as stipulated under Regulation 360A of the Food Regulations 1985.

“Its import requires the source of water licence, as well as approval and authentication by geology and hydrology authorities,” he said.

He said the Saudi government only allowed the distribution of zamzam water for free to haj and umrah pilgrims, as well as visitors, for personal consumption in limited quantities.

“The ministry is intensifying enforcement against the sale of zamzam water as its sale is banned in Malaysia,” he said.

Dr Noor Hisham added that members of the public could contact the District Health Office or the nearest state Health Department, or check its website at http://moh. spab.gov.my or www.facebook.com/ bkkmhq for more information.