The Health Ministry is conducting a sweep on the sale of zamzam water following a ban issued by the Saudi Arabian Embassy against the sale of the water found in shops around Kuala Lumpur as well as all over the country.

Health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said parties caught selling zamzam water face a fine not exceeding RM10,000 or jail of not more than two years under Food Regulations 1985.

From 2012 to October this year, the ministry had confiscated RM58,191.80 worth of zamzam water, he said in a statement today.

He said the matter was agreed on by the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) and the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry as enforcement was under the jurisdiction of the Health Ministry.

Noor Hisham (photo) said the ministry through the Food Safety and Quality Division was taking action against the sale of zamzam water under Section 4(1) (f) of Food Act 1983.

According to the DG, zamzam water which is obtained underground is categorised as natural mineral water as stipulated under Regulation 360A of Food Regulations 1985.

"Its import requires the source of water licence as well as approval and authentication by geology and hydrology authorities,” he said.

He added the Saudi government only allowed the distribution of zamzam water for free to haj and umrah pilgrim, as well as visitors for personal consumption in limited quantity.

"The ministry is intensifying enforcement against the sale of zamzam water as its sale

is banned in Malaysia,” he said.

Noor Hisham said members of the public could contact the District Health Office or nearest State Health Department, its website or Facebook page for further information.

- Bernama