Putrajaya: Malaysia has joined the Asia-Pacific Food Regulatory Authority Summit (APFRAS) to strengthen its role in transforming food safety governance through digitalisation at the regional level.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad announced that the Cabinet had formally approved Malaysia's membership in APFRAS during its meeting on June 12. This membership aims to enhance Malaysia's position as a Smart Gatekeeper in the region. Malaysia is poised to lead the digital transformation of food safety governance, regulate biodegradable packaging materials, and harmonise the legislative framework concerning new food innovations.

Dr Dzulkefly made these remarks during the membership signing ceremony, which coincided with the opening of the 2026 Food Safety Conference themed "New Innovations and Technologies - Challenges or Opportunities?".

Dr Dzulkefly highlighted that joining APFRAS is a strategic move to support the National Food Safety Policy and the National Food Security Policy, particularly in addressing the significant rise in the country's food imports, which increased by 85% over a decade from RM42.6 billion in 2013 to RM78.9 billion in 2023. He noted that a substantial portion of the food consumed in Malaysia navigates through extensive global supply chains crossing multiple national borders.

To tackle the complexities of these global food supply chains, the Health Ministry is actively exploring modern technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and predictive analytics. The aim is to improve safety monitoring and control efficiency at Malaysia's entry points.

The two-day conference, organised by the Food Safety and Quality Programme (PKKM), gathered more than 300 participants. It focused on addressing food safety challenges and risks, evidence-based control, and the role of innovation and technology over time.