Hawker centres and eateries are warned not to be duped by imposters masquerading as food handling trainers have recently made Penang, dubbed a "food paradise" , their target.

State executive councillor on health Dr Afif Bahardin ( left ) said the state government through several enforcement agencies has received reports of companies masquerading as Food Handling Training Schools although they are reportedly not qualified to issue certificates.

The visit hawker centres and restaurants asking for training fees and later issue certificates without providing any training, said Afif.

"Such cases have been brought to our notice recently by at least three of our state assemblymen, such incidents have been happening on the island as well as Seberang Perai ( mainland Penang)," Afif told Malaysiakini .

"We are trying to obtain more information about the companies and individuals involved so that we can report on it, and we ask those who have been duped to come forward and give us details," he added.

'Incidents mar authorities' image '

"Although it is not yet at an alarming stage, such incidents undermine the image of the Health Ministry and the Penang government," he said.

Afif urged hawkers and food handlers  approached by these "irresponsible quarters" or those who are not qualified to issue such certificates to alert the authorities immediately or lodge police reports.

According to the State Health Department, such training can only be obtained via schools approved by the Ministry of Health, said Afif.

"A three-hour training with a fee of RM50, compulsory for all eateries and hawker centres, is currently being conducted by trained personnel who are approved by the Ministry," added the Seberang Jaya assemblyman.

The Seberang Perai Municipal Council has also conducted such training courses from 1996 to  2009, where certificates were issued for qualified participants, Afif said.

Afif said hawkers and restaurants should take note that there are currently only six training schools registered in Penang: Pearl Garden Enterprise ; Pusat Latihan & Perundingan Wasin; Sihat Utama Enterprise; CSL Training and Consultancy; SQC Management (Pg) Sdn Bhd and Institusi Pengendali Makanan Ilham.