Ling: The school meal programme helps promote healthy eating habits among children.
YOUNG adults tend to not be concerned about their food consumption unless they are facing health issues.
Johor health and unity committee chairman Ling Tian Soon said they also tended to be more stubborn in making lifestyle changes and modifying their eating habits.
“This is why the Health Ministry is tackling the issue at school level through initiatives such as healthy meals programme in schools to promote good eating habits among children and reduce health issues such as obesity.
“The programme has been ongoing in Johor for the past 14 years, where schools in Yong Peng and Muar have done well and become model schools,” he added.
Ling advised the public to always practise moderation in their diet of choice.
According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2019, out of 50.1% of Malaysian adults, 30.4% were overweight and 19.7%, obese.
Obesity rates have also been on the rise each year from 14% in 2006 to 15.1% (2011) and 17.7% (2015).
The next NHMS will be conducted in 2024.
Meanwhile, data from the Statistics Department showed that heart disease remained the leading cause of death in 2020, followed by pneumonia, cerebrovascular diseases and transport accidents.
Ang: Demand for healthier food options went up during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns.
The report also said those who died from heart disease were mostly aged 41 and above.
Health food shop owner Ang Tun Chek noted that during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns when people were told to stay at home and had more time to prepare their meals, the demand for healthier food options went up.
He said sales in 2020 and 2021 went up two-fold whereby products such as baking ingredients like wheat-free flour and sugar substitutes were best-sellers.
“It was also a period when consumers had more time and opportunity to explore healthier eating options and experiment with recipes.
“Besides items like almond flour and coconut flour, konjac noodles, became a popular purchase.
“It is made from a root vegetable, and is sought by those who want to avoid eating carbohydrates.
“My customers are mostly middle- aged people who want healthier food options to address their health concerns such as diabetes,” he said at his outlet in Bandar Seri Alam, Johor Baru.
Ang, who went through some health issues of his own which led him to start consuming a low-carbohydrate and high-fat diet about eight years ago, said the lack of healthier food options and alternatives led him to set up his own shop.
He said that he wanted to provide health-conscious customers a one-stop place where he could also share his personal experience and recommendations.
“I make it a point to source locally made products and help home-based entrepreneurs who produce healthy pre-made sauces and pastries,” he added.
At another store in Taman Sentosa, the person in charge who only wanted to be known as Fong, said he observed that people were getting more health-conscious over the years.
For the past 20 years, he said there had been a gradual increase in customers seeking certified organic vegetables and fruits, which made up at least 20% of his sales.
“Apart from fresh produce, healthier alternatives of rice, condiments, sauces and seasoning are popular.
“From my conversations with our customers, I realise they are mostly purchasing the items so that their children can eat better.
“We also have customers who have specific dietary or health needs, such as vegetarians and those with allergies.
“Each of our four outlets have at least one dietary consultant on duty to provide advice and recommendations,” said Fong.
