Health Ministry: No ban on import, use of poppy seeds for cooking

PUTRAJAYA - The Health Ministry will not ban the import and usage of poppy seeds for culinary purposes.

Its minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam (pic) said that poppy seeds are being used to enhance the flavour of dishes and the amount utilised was very small.

“Nonetheless, we will monitor to ensure there’s no abuse. The public should inform us if they suspect any shops use poppy seeds in excessive amounts,” he said on Wednesday.

The public are cautioned against consuming cakes topped with or containing poppy seeds.

City Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department chief SAC Wan Abdullah Ishak said consumers if found positive for drugs could be charged in court “even if they denied it”.

SAC Wan Abdullah has clarified that while it was not illegal to consume poppy seeds in Malaysia, it could show up in a urine test if ingested, landing consumers in trouble with the authorities.