Ipoh City Council sets ambitious food hygiene goals

The Ipoh City Council (MBI) is raising the bar for food hygiene, aiming to certify 50% of licensed food premises with Grade A by 2025.

This initiative, part of MBI’s efforts to support Visit Malaysia Year 2026, seeks to strengthen Ipoh’s gastronomic appeal, further cementing the city’s reputation as a food haven.

In 2024, 30% of the city’s 3,200 licensed food premises earned Grade A certification.

The programme encourages local operators to maintain high standards, aligning with Ipoh’s recognition as one of Asia’s top eight tourist destinations for 2025, as highlighted by Time Out.

Enhancing hygiene through certification

The Ipoh City Council employs strict guidelines to ensure food safety and cleanliness. The Grade A certification, valid for two years, requires compliance with multiple criteria, including:

• Adhering to the Clean, Attractive, and Fragrant (BMW) concept for premises and toilets.
• Providing anti-typhoid vaccination cards and food handler training certificates.
• Installing grease traps and implementing pest control measures.

Premises that fail to meet these standards face penalties, including fines and the denial of license renewals.

In 2024, 1,689 food premises toilets were inspected, with 99% achieving a 4-star rating or higher. However, 19 toilets received a 3-star rating, leading to warnings and stricter enforcement.

“The Grade A certification isn’t just a benchmark for hygiene; it’s a badge of trust for tourists and locals alike,” said Ipoh Mayor Dato’ Rumaizi bin Baharin @ Md Daud, Mayor of Ipoh.

Gastronomic future and tourism in Ipoh

As Ipoh gears up for Visit Malaysia Year 2026, its thriving food scene plays a pivotal role.

The city’s rich culinary heritage, paired with its historical landmarks and limestone caves, attracts both domestic and international visitors.

Ensuring high standards at food premises is vital to sustaining this growth.

The Ipoh City Council has also introduced policies like the BMW toilet hygiene initiative, reflecting its commitment to improving visitor experiences.

MBI’s proactive measures contribute not only to public health but also to the city’s evolution as a major national tourism hub by 2025.

The Ipoh City Council’s focus on food hygiene and safety underscores its dedication to excellence.

With ambitious targets and rigorous enforcement, the city is well on its way to becoming a gastronomic and tourism powerhouse.