By Vincent D’Silva

JOHOR BAHRU: Sand & Sandals Desaru Beach Resort & Spa has once again set a quiet but significant benchmark in hospitality excellence, after being awarded the Bersih, Selamat dan Sihat (BeSS) certificate by the Ministry of Health Malaysia (Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia, KKM) — a national recognition that affirms the highest standards of hygiene, safety and healthy food practices.

The certification, received on Dec 9, 2025, marks the second time the beachfront resort has earned the coveted status, underscoring a sustained commitment to responsible food operations rather than a one-off achievement.

The award covers Spices Restaurant, the resort’s main kitchen, and the Beach Hut, three outlets that together form the culinary heart of the property.

Presented at Sand & Sandals Desaru Beach Resort & Spa itself, the BeSS certificate was issued under the Food Safety Information System of Malaysia (FOSIM) and formally presented by Zailina Abdul Majid, Deputy Director-General of Health (Food Safety and Quality), Ministry of Health Malaysia.

Also present were Kamarudzaman Ahmad, Deputy Director of Health (Food Safety and Quality, Food Safety and Quality Division. Johor State Health Department and Resort’s Executive Chef Mohd Faizal Idris.

The recognition was received on behalf of the resort by its Executive Resort Chef, a fitting acknowledgment of the discipline, vigilance and professionalism practised daily behind the kitchen doors.

Beyond the formality of the ceremony, the award places Sand & Sandals Resort & Spa in a rare bracket. In Desaru, it becomes only the second hotel, alongside Lotus Resort, to receive BeSS certification — a distinction that will also see the resort’s name published on KKM’s official website under the national list of BeSS-certified hotels.

For Lily Lim, the resort’s Director of Operations and Revenue, the recognition carries weight well beyond its plaque.

“In hospitality, trust begins where guests cannot see — in our kitchens, our food handling processes, and the standards we uphold every single day,” she said.

She went on to say that this BeSS certification is not just a recognition of compliance, but a reflection of our values. It tells our guests that their health, safety and wellbeing are treated with the utmost seriousness.

The BeSS certification is not lightly awarded. To qualify, food premises must be properly registered with FOSIM, while all food handlers are required to complete recognised training and meet health and vaccination requirements, including anti-typhoid vaccination where applicable.

Premises must also undergo a comprehensive inspection by health authorities and achieve a score exceeding the prescribed threshold — typically above 85 per cent — before they are deemed eligible.

Lim noted that the process demanded consistency across every level of the operation.

“What makes this achievement meaningful is that it reflects teamwork,” she said.

“From our culinary brigade to stewards, supervisors and management, everyone understands that food safety is not an occasional exercise. It is a culture we live by,” she stressed.

She added that the resort’s coastal setting made the commitment even more critical.

“Being by the sea, we are mindful of freshness, storage and handling standards at every step. Our guests come here to relax, to enjoy good food in a beautiful setting. It is our responsibility to ensure that experience is also safe, clean and wholesome,” she said.

The certification’s validity of three years speaks to sustained confidence from regulators, yet the resort views it as a starting point rather than a conclusion.

“We do not see this as a finish line,” Lim said. “Standards evolve, expectations grow, and we must continue to improve. This recognition motivates us to do better every day.”

In an era where travellers are increasingly conscious of health, transparency and responsible operations, the BeSS certification resonates beyond industry circles. It reassures families, corporate guests and international travellers alike that the resort’s commitment to excellence extends beyond aesthetics and service into the unseen fundamentals that define quality hospitality.

For the culinary team, the award is a professional affirmation. For the resort, it reinforces credibility. For guests, it offers peace of mind.

As Sand & Sandals Resort & Spa continues to welcome visitors along the shores of Desaru Beach, the BeSS certification stands as a quiet promise — that behind every dish served lies discipline, diligence and a deep respect for the wellbeing of those at the table.