The history of government regulation on food safety is one of government watchdogs chasing the horse after it’s out of the barn.
– David Aaron Kessler, paediatrician and White House chief science officer
An unsettling and deeply disturbing trend has emerged, tarnishing the image of some eateries in Malaya.
Once again, videos have surfaced, revealing chefs and food handlers spitting into food and drinks, particularly at certain restaurants and eateries.
This behaviour is not just revolting; it poses severe health risks and threatens to undermine public trust in these establishments.
Recent viral videos on platforms like WhatsApp, YouTube, and TikTok show food handlers spitting into take-away meals or dishes served to customers. One viral case involved a worker at a bazaar in Labuan, which caused public outrage.
Despite the worker’s claim that he was merely checking for eggshells, the public remained unconvinced, highlighting a broader concern – how often such practices occur undetected in kitchens across Malaysia.
Unfortunately, I can attest to the reality of this practice. On a recent visit to a well-known eatery in Petaling Jaya where I stay for a while, I witnessed a food handler spit into the dish he was preparing.
Overwhelmed with disgust, I left without paying, daring them to confront me – yet they didn’t. Perhaps they knew exactly why I left and chose not to escalate the situation.
This experience has stayed with me, raising pressing questions: Is spitting into food a cultural practice or a random act of defiance? Regardless, this must not be tolerated. The authorities, including the Ministry of Health (MoH) and JAKIM (the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia), must intervene with urgent action to curb this practice before it escalates into a full-blown health crisis.
They should act now or else certain groups might just decide to say enough is enough and initiate a large-scale boycott of these outlets which could affect businesses. When the fire is small it is best to put out the flame instead of just covering it up.
Spitting into food goes beyond being a mere act of defiance or negligence – it is a significant health hazard. Human saliva can transmit diseases such as influenza, herpes, and gastrointestinal infections. In the post-Covid era, where the public is especially sensitive to hygiene and safety, such behaviour can irreparably damage a restaurant’s reputation and invite legal consequences. The act of contaminating food with bodily fluids is akin to assault and, in many jurisdictions, constitutes a punishable offence.
Moreover, these actions could have broader societal consequences. Malaysia prides itself on being a food haven, with locals and tourists alike enjoying delicacies at Mamak stalls, hawker centres, Muslim eateries and Indian restaurants.
However, if such incidents continue, diners may start to avoid these outlets altogether, devastating businesses that rely on regular patronage. The ripple effect could even impact tourism, as visitors might hesitate to sample local cuisine, fearing unsanitary practices.
The authorities need to take swift and decisive action to address this problem, instead of just turning a blind eye! Regular spot checks at eateries, especially those with reported violations, should be mandatory.
The MoH and JAKIM should work together to establish clear guidelines for food handling and ensure that staff adhere to these standards. For instance, mandatory use of face masks by food handlers – first introduced during the pandemic – could be reinstated to curb unsanitary practices.
The Kuala Lumpur City Hall has already fined eateries caught violating hygiene laws. In one case, a restaurant with two branches in the city received multiple fines after a worker was filmed spitting into food while packaging it.
These fines should serve as a deterrent, but more needs to be done. Authorities must send a clear message that such behaviour will not be tolerated. In extreme cases, the closure of offending establishments should be considered.
The act of spitting in food also raises questions about respect and responsibility. If this practice is rooted in cultural or religious traditions, eateries must be transparent and inform their customers. While Malaysia is a multi-religious society, transparency is essential to maintain trust and mutual respect among all communities.
As a reasonable suggestion, such eateries could display signs informing diners if spitting in food is a cultural practice, allowing multiracial customers to make informed decisions.
This transparency, however, must not be misinterpreted as condoning the practice. While cultural practices should be respected, food safety and hygiene standards are paramount and non-negotiable. All eateries, regardless of religious affiliation, must adhere to public health regulations to ensure the well-being of their customers.
It is time for the relevant authorities to step up and take action against this despicable practice. Spitting in food is not just a disgusting habit; it is a public health hazard that must be eradicated. The government, food safety agencies and religious bodies must collaborate to ensure strict compliance with hygiene standards.
Failure to act will not only tarnish the reputation of these eateries but also risk the health of unsuspecting diners. Act now – before more harm is done. As diners, we also have a role to play. We must be vigilant, report suspicious behaviour and demand accountability from the establishments we patronise.
The road to resolving this issue lies in collective action. The authorities must set an example and the public must remain watchful. Malaysia’s reputation as a food paradise is at stake and we cannot afford to let a few bad actors spoil it for everyone.
It is about time we put an end to this disgusting and hazardous practice – for the sake of public health, business integrity and mutual respect among all Malaysians.
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune.
