The consensus is that tackling obesity with broader measures is more effective in reducing the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke, which are responsible for more than 70% of premature deaths in the country.
Two dietitians called for measures to discourage the consumption of highly processed food, which are affordable to the average Malaysian, particularly those in low-income groups.
Chief dietitian at the National Heart Institute (IJN) Mary Easaw said that while a high tax on sugar may help lower the consumption of sugary drinks, thus moderating the risk of developing Type-2 diabetes, other foods must also be looked into.
“Processed foods are cheaper than healthy foods, which makes them affordable to those in low-income groups, but they are also a major cause of obesity, which then leads to many NCDs,” she told FMT.
Meanwhile, clinical dietitian Farah Farhanah Hashim said that processed foods that include a high sodium content are especially accessible in low-income housing areas.
Apart from reducing its consumption, she said that it would be crucial to subsidise the prices of fresh produce whilst regulating the manufacturing and sale of processed food.
“Apart from taxation, efforts must begin at schools. Provide healthier food options, similar to how Japan does it for their public education system.
“Keeping prices of vegetables and fruits low through subsidies would also help to encourage healthier eating habits,” she said, noting that consumption of processed food could also be due to a lack of nutritional literacy.
Malaysia has the highest rates of adult and childhood obesity in Southeast Asia.
The 2023 National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) highlights that 21.3% of Malaysian adults are obese, rising from 19.7% in 2019.
Easaw said that single nutrient approach to taxation alone would not be enough to fight the NCD pandemic, pointing to Malaysia’s particularly high tax on sugar.
She stated that families of lower-income groups are highly price-sensitive and opt for highly processed food options due to limited access to healthier alternatives.
Take for example the typical Malaysian diet often revolves around quick, convenient foods that are high in calories but low in nutritional value, with an emphasis on salt, sugar, and fat.
A common meal like a glass of teh tarik (150 kcal) and a roti canai (400 kcal) may seem harmless, but together they pack around 550 kilocalories with minimal nutritional benefits.
The roti canai alone, a highly processed dish, contains about 13 grams of fat and just 1.8 grams of sugar, offering little fibre or protein to sustain energy or satiety.
While cheap, delicious and culturally significant, such meals are energy-dense and nutrient-poor, contributing to poor dietary habits when consumed regularly.
Greater nutritional awareness and small dietary adjustments — like reducing sugar, choosing higher-protein sides, or limiting frequency — can help balance enjoyment of these popular foods with long-term health.
It’s about moderation, not elimination
T Saravanan, CEO of the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Association (Fomca), said that real change requires a deeper dive involving a wider group of stakeholders with incentive-based interventions.
“Fomca does not advocate a narrative that demonises sugar entirely,” he said, referring to sugar taxation.
Sararavanan pointed out that ingredients, such as sugar, can be factored into a healthy diet when taken in moderation.
“Ultimately, the focus must be on educating consumers to make informed, moderate, and sustainable choices.
“This includes clear labelling, accessible nutrition literacy, and an enabling environment where healthier options are visible, affordable, and desirable,” he said.
Saravanan said Malaysia could follow in the footsteps of other countries that have paired fiscal disincentives with lifestyle incentives to promote healthier living.