Less sugar, more benefits: A poster reminding people to consume less sugar is displayed at a cafeteria in Kuala Lumpur. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Effective monitoring and evaluation of sugar content in menus at government events is crucial to ensuring the success of the newly-implemented sugar reduction initiative, say experts.
Assoc Prof Dr Norazmir Md Nor from the Faculty of Health Sciences of Universiti Teknologi MARA said the immediate goal should be to achieve a 50% reduction in sugar content.
“Regular monitoring and reporting is vital to ensure that the objective is met. This will significantly enhance our efforts to check sugar intake,” he told Bernama.
Assoc Prof Norazmir’s comments follow a recent directive from the Cabinet for a 50% reduction in sugar content in beverages served at all government events.
The directive is part of a broader strategy to promote a healthier lifestyle.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, who announced the decision on Thursday, said the move was prompted by the 2023 National Health and Morbidity Survey report, which revealed that 15.5% of Malaysia’s adult population were diagnosed with diabetes.
Assoc Prof Norazmir recommended using alternative or artificial sweeteners to replace natural sugars, as studies show these alternatives could reduce sugar intake without compromising on food taste.
He suggested reducing the sizes of dessert and sweet beverage portions and providing fewer sweet options.
“Offering sugar-free or low-sugar beverages, such as unsweetened tea, sugar-free lemonade, or plain water, along with reducing dessert and sweet drink portions, can lower overall calorie and sugar consumption,” he said.
Assoc Prof Dr Zahara Abdul Manaf of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, advised event organisers to select foods low in sugar, oil, fat and salt.
“The Health Ministry has issued healthy eating guidelines for meetings that can serve as a reference for all of us,” she said, adding that these reductions should be formalised into workplace policies, including informing food vendors and all staff members.
She recommended against serving sugary drinks at every meal.
“Priority should be given to providing plain water, fresh lemon juice or green tea,” she added.
Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy chief executive officer Azrul Mohd Khalib said to ensure the Health Ministry’s “war on sugar” campaign was effective, the government should not just increase excise duties on sugar-sweetened beverages.
“Sugar should also be removed from the list of controlled items under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011,” he added.
He said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad was right to highlight sugar consumption as a key issue in tackling Malaysia’s obesity crisis.
He said the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2019 estimated that Malaysians consumed an average of 12 teaspoons of sugar daily from sugary beverages.
The survey further revealed that the highest prevalence of non-communicable diseases was among individuals aged 60 and above (38%), followed by those aged 50-59 (28.8%), 40-49 (15.2%), 30-39 (6.5%), and 18-29 (3.2%).
