PETALING JAYA, Nov 1 – The Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) is increasing the compound fine for food premise operators who fail to ensure their employees have valid anti-typhoid (TY2) vaccinations, raising the penalty to up to RM1,000, effective January next year.
This new rate follows the issuance of 940 compound fines, accounting for 22.8 per cent of the 4,119 total major food-handling violations recorded between 2024 and 2026, specifically for failure to obtain TY2 vaccinations.
Petaling Jaya Mayor Dato' Mohd Yazid Sairi, speaking during the Council Meeting No. 10 of 2026 on October 30, announced that the new compound rates are divided into three categories based on the number of food handlers at a premise who lack valid TY2 vaccinations.
For premises with one to five food handlers lacking valid vaccinations, MBPJ will impose a compound fine of RM250, while premises with six to 15 such employees will face a fine of RM500.
Premises with 16 or more food handlers lacking valid TY2 vaccinations may be subject to a compound fine of RM1,000.
Previously, MBPJ imposed a flat compound rate of RM250 for this offence, even though the relevant by-laws allow a maximum fine of up to RM1,000 for each compoundable offence.
The council said this adjustment is intended to improve compliance and reduce repeat offences, as the existing rates were deemed insufficient to serve as an effective deterrent.
MBPJ further clarified that the TY2 vaccination is a primary requirement for licensing food premises, as typhoid fever, caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi, can spread through contaminated food or water.
Premise operators must ensure all employees have valid vaccination status and maintain records, such as cards, certificates, or letters of certification, available for inspection by the authorities.
MBPJ will announce information regarding the revised compound rates to food premise operators and food handlers between November and December of this year.
The timeframe would allow them time to review vaccination records before enforcement begins in January 2027.
