The Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) will soon impose a new annual charge on food business operators for hygiene grading stickers and mandatory re-inspections, effective with the 2026 business licence renewal cycle.
The new charges, which took effect when licence renewals opened on 1 October 2025, are part of MPAJ’s ongoing initiative to improve hygiene standards and encourage greater accountability among food operators.
In a media statement, MPAJ announced that hawker stalls will be charged RM50 per year, restaurants RM100, and food processing factories RM150 for their hygiene grading stickers. An additional RM55 re-inspection fee will apply to premises rated Grade C or ungraded following health inspections.
“This measure is introduced to encourage food operators to take greater responsibility for maintaining cleanliness and proper food handling practices,” said MPAJ.
Promoting Hygiene Responsibility Amid Mixed Reactions
According to MPAJ, there are currently 1,016 licensed food premises under its jurisdiction, including restaurants, food courts, static stalls, and food factories.
While some operators have welcomed the move as a reasonable step to uphold food safety, others fear it will increase their financial burden, particularly small-scale hawkers.
CK Ong, a café owner in Pandan Perdana, said the new fee was fair if it led to better hygiene across all food establishments.
“Cleanliness is crucial for customer trust. The hygiene sticker shows we’ve passed inspection and motivates us to maintain cleanliness year-round, not just during checks,” he said.
Ong added that he had upgraded his café’s restrooms earlier this year to comply with the ‘Clean Toilet’ initiative under the Ministry of Housing and Local Government.
Hawkers Concerned Over Rising Operating Costs
However, some hawkers expressed concern that the additional charge could worsen their already tight operating margins.
“We already pay various fees for licences and stall rentals. Adding another charge makes it even harder for small vendors like us,” said one hawker.
Several others interviewed by StarMetro admitted they were unaware of the new charges, as they had yet to renew their business licences for 2026.
Despite the mixed response, industry observers believe the new policy could help raise hygiene awareness, enhance consumer confidence, and standardise food safety compliance across all types of eateries in Ampang Jaya.
MPAJ is expected to provide further clarification and guidance sessions to help food operators understand the purpose and long-term benefits of the new hygiene sticker charge.
Sumber: The Star.
