By: Rosli Mansor Ahmad Razali
KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Ministry of Health (KKM) has issued a ban on using aquariums as containers for storing drink.
Director-General of Health, Datuk Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan, highlighted that aquariums, typically made of glass or plastic, may contain chemicals such as lead or phthalates, which can dissolve in water and subsequently contaminate it, posing health risks.
He emphasized that this prohibition is stated in Regulation 31 of the Food Regulations 1985. “It is considered an offence when aquariums, designed for keeping fish and not intended for food storage, are utilized as containers for water with the purpose of sale,” he stated in a press release.
The issue of using aquariums as water containers for commercial purposes has been circulating on social media, prompting the KKM’s response.
The Food Safety and Quality Division of KKM will be actively monitoring the sale of food items, including beverages, in containers not intended for food storage.
“KKM urges both sellers and consumers to take food safety seriously and ensure that the food being sold is safe and of high quality for everyone,” Dr Muhammad Radzi added.
Simultaneously, KKM advises the public to purchase food items from hygienic premises.
