War against sugar soon in bid to curb NCDs among Malaysians
PUTRAJAYA: A war against excessive consumption of sugar will be launched soon aimed at preventing the rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among Malaysians, says Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
The Health Minister said several measures were necessary despite reports showing that there have been a decrease in NCDs such as diabetes, hypertension and cholesterol since 2019.
“We will be introducing a grading system on sweetened beverages and premixed drinks ... based on the sugar the drink contains. This is similar to what is being done across the Causeway, where the level of sugar in drinks is graded A, B or C.
ALSO READ: NCD tidal wave has hit the nation
“These are the measures we are taking in the war against sugar which is coming soon,” he told a press conference after launching of the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023 and the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) Malaysia 2023 here yesterday.
Although the prevalence of diabetes had dropped by 2.7% between 2019 and 2023 while hypertension dropped by 0.8%, cholesterol decreased 4.8% within the same period, Dr Dzukelfly pointed out that the prevalence of Malaysians being overweight and obese was on the rise.
“Based on our study, one out of two Malaysians are either overweight or obese.
“We will be introducing a grading system on sweetened beverage sand premixed drinks... based on the sugar the drinkcontains.” - Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad
ALSO READ: The hefty burden gets heavier
“We are aware that being obese and overweight carry a higher risk with those affected prone to Type 2 Diabetes.
“Also, being obese and overweight carries the higher risk of developing cancer and also fatty liver,” he added.
Obesity and being overweight could drag down our success in reducing NCDs in the coming years, he said.
Dr Dzulkefly said the Health Ministry is also currently engaging with stakeholders including industry players on such strategies on the war against sugar.
ALSO READ: A million depressed Malaysians
He said the sugar grading system for sweetened beverages is a continuation of the government’s effort to reduce the consumption of excessive sugar by the public.
However, Dr Dzulkefly did not specify a timeline for the implementation of the sugar grading system.
In 2019, the government introduced a tax on sugary drinks, imposing a 40 sen levy per litre for beverages containing more than five grams of sugar per 100ml and fruit juices with 12 grams of sugar per 100ml.
ALSO READ: A steep bill of health – many cannot afford treatment
According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023, there has been a surge in the prevalence of overweight and obesity by nearly 10% between 2011 and last year.
Abdominal obesity among adults also saw an increase of almost 10% for the same period, the survey found.
Meanwhile, speaking on the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) 2023, the Health Minister expressed serious concern on the rise of the prevalence in the use of ecigarettes or vapes among young adults, especially those below the age of 50 years old.
ALSO READ: Surge in ecigarette use in Malaysia
“It is a serious and worrying matter and requires a quick and comprehensive solution,” he added.
The Health Ministry’s effort to gazette the Smoking Products Control Act for Public Health 2024 (Act 852) since Feb 2 this year are in line with the key articles outlined under the World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) in efforts to curb the use of tobacco products and reduce the harm caused by smoking and the use of other tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes or vapes.
“We plan to fully enforce Act 852 along with the regulations and orders under it starting from June this year,” he said.
