In a statement today, it said the tax might result in only a slight decrease in consumption although it would bring about increased tax revenue.
“The paper by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on using pricing policies to promote healthier diets revealed that there is a moderate decrease in consumption after the implementation of sweet tax in France and Hungary,” it said.
“However, it might lead to substitution with other high-calorie drinks as evident in a study on the implementation of tax on soda in the United States,” it added.
It said sweetened beverages were not the only unhealthy food and targeting it alone would not bring about the expected results.
“The decision to have a healthier lifestyle needs to be chosen by the people, not imposed upon them,” it added.
IDEAS said there should be “less controlling” policies, with consumers educated on making better choices and providing more facilities for a healthier lifestyle.
The taxing of sweetened beverages is among the health ministry’s 13-point policy to promote a healthier nation.
The policy also recommends banning advertisements on food and drinks with high fat, salt and sugar content that could lure children into buying them, and limiting restaurant operating hours to midnight.
Also suggested were exempting import duties for sports equipment and giving more incentives for gym operators.