Malaysia has taken decisive steps to safeguard its food supply chain by announcing rigorous screening measures for imported Japanese food products. The decision comes in response to Japan’s controversial plan to release radioactive water from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean, a move scheduled to commence on August 24.
The Ministry of Health in Malaysia, through an official statement released on Wednesday, August 23, revealed its intention to subject imported food from Japan to stringent radiation testing. Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan, the Director-General of Medicine at Malaysia’s Ministry of Health, highlighted that high-risk food items from Japan will undergo rigorous scrutiny, warranting a level 4 audit to ensure their safety for consumption.
This isn’t the first time Malaysia has taken such precautions. Muhammad Radzi cited a previous instance when the Food Safety and Quality Bureau of the Malaysian Health Ministry monitored food imports from Japan between May 2011 and April 2012. This monitoring followed the catastrophic earthquake that inflicted damage upon the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.
As part of its robust approach, the Malaysian health authority outlined that the food items primarily imported from Japan include fish and fish products, followed by fruits, vegetables, as well as processed foods and beverages.
The backdrop to these stringent measures is Japan’s plan to discharge approximately 1.3 million tons of wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear power plant, which suffered substantial damage in the devastating earthquake of 2011. This decision has ignited global concern and prompted vigilant responses from countries that import Japanese food products.
Malaysia’s commitment to ensuring the safety and integrity of its imported food products reflects the gravity of the situation and the importance of protecting public health. As nations grapple with the implications of Japan’s actions, Malaysia’s proactive approach serves as a poignant reminder of the necessity to prioritize consumer safety and well-being.