Fomca CEO T Saravanan welcomed the government’s initiative to remove sugary beverages from the list of discounted items under the Rahmah Sale programme, as well as to reduce the amount of sugar in drinks at government events by 50%.
However, he hoped the government would introduce more programmes or initiatives to reduce the amount of sugar consumed by children and youths, so they can practise a healthier lifestyle from young.
“Such programmes are capable of establishing a holistically healthier environment, although they must be carried out strategically and effectively,” he told FMT.
The Malaysian Muslim Consumers Association’s chief activist, Nadzim Johan, pointed to the amount of money the health ministry forks out annually to treat non-communicable diseases (NCDs) caused by consuming too much sugar, including diabetes.
“By supporting reduced intake of sugar, we can also cut down the healthcare costs (spent on treating such diseases) and improve the quality of life for millions of Malaysians,” he said.
Treating diabetes among Malaysians reportedly costs Putrajaya over RM3 billion a year. The health ministry has said that one in six Malaysians suffers from the disease.
According to health think tank Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy, Malaysia also has the highest rate of diabetes in the Western Pacific region, and one of the highest in the world.
Last week, the ministry said it will soon roll out a food and drink nutrition grading system in hopes of reducing NCDs among Malaysians caused by excessive sugar consumption.
The grading system will display clear labels – A, B or C – based on the percentage of sugar in the products.
The domestic trade and cost of living ministry had also said it would roll out a “less sugar, lower price” campaign to encourage Malaysians to reduce their sugar intake.
Galen Centre urged the government to increase excise duties on sugar-sweetened beverages and remove sugar from the list of controlled items in order to effectively reduce sugar consumption.
The price of sugar is capped at RM2.85 per kg for coarse sugar and RM2.95 per kg for refined sugar.