Protection of Public Health (Amendment) Bill 2024 passed to modernise provisions, strengthen enforcement

Dr Sim delivering the winding-up of the Protection of Public Health (Amendment) Bill 2024 in the august House on May 7, 2024. Photo credit: Ukas

By Karen Bong

KUCHING, May 7: The Protection of Public Health (Amendment) Bill 2024 to modernise and align certain provisions of the 1999 Ordinance with current practices and to strengthen provisions relating to penalties and enforcement of public health matters has been passed unanimously in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) today.

Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, when tabling the Bill, emphasised the necessity of updating the Protection of Public Health 1999 Ordinance, which had remained unchanged since it came into force on Nov 1, 2000.

“Therefore, it is considered timely for the Ordinance to be amended in order to update and strengthen the provisions in the Ordinance to meet the changes and expectation of the present situation,” he told the august House.

The proposed amendments aim to bolster provisions concerning licensing and cleanliness of food premises, including the prohibition of animals or pets.

Additionally, the Bill addresses the licensing and upkeep of land used for cemeteries, funeral parlors, including addition of the word ‘columbarium’ in its definition, while also empowering entry, investigation, and inspection processes.

Furthermore, the Bill seeks to update the general penalty amount, which has remained unchanged since 1999, and extend the Sarawak cabinet’s authority to enact regulations pertaining to waste and environmental issues.

Addressing concerns from Padungan assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen regarding the interpretation of the Ordinance, particularly regarding the definition of ‘animals’, Dr Sim clarified that the definition includes all creatures with four feet and those species selectively bred to coexist with humans.

“The reference to ‘quadrupeds’ in the definition does refer to any animal which has four feet. Further, the definition of domesticated also entails that any species that have been selectively bred and adapted to live alongside humans. Hence, the definition of animal does cater to cats and dogs,” he explained.

Regarding fish at restaurants which will be served to the customers, Dr Sim urged Chong to refer to the interpretation of ‘food premises’ which defines food premises as any premises used or intended to be used for the preparation, processing, storage, packaging of food for sale, and where food is served or offered for sale to the public.

“Thus, this does not fit the context of the word ‘reared’ used under clause 23(3),” he added.

With seven members participated in the debate of the Bill, Dr Sim expressed appreciation to all the ideas and proposals to ensure the smooth and effective implementation and enforcement of the Bill. — DayakDaily