The widely reported call by the Malaysian Medical Association to the government, in conjunction with World Diabetes Day, to impose a 20–30% cut in added sugar to battle the country’s diabetes crisis is long overdue.
MMA president Dr Thirunavukarasu Rajoo has correctly pointed out that there needs to be “a broader sugar tax and clearer front-of-pack nutrition labelling”, to encourage healthier choices among Malaysian consumers.
“Malaysia must immediately cut down on added sugar in food and drinks,” he added.
Malaysia now ranks 13th globally and is the highest in Southeast Asia for Type 2 diabetes prevalence. The figure has risen consistently from 12.1% in 2011 to 19% in 2019 and to its current figure of 21.1%. This means one in five adults are living with the disease.
With this increase happening, why hasn’t the government taken action to improve the country’s health? Perhaps it is time for it to take the bull by the horns and display more responsibility and concern for the people’s health.
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It is no secret that the ‘sweet tooth’ was not part of our culture or tradition. People in Malaysia – and in particular the majority ethnic Malays – used to consume herbs (ulam) and bitter beans (like petai and bitter gourd) at almost every main meal in the past.
But industrial and commercial greed for quick profits got in the way, when the country opened its doors to fast-food chains. This got the nation addicted to processed foods and sweetened drinks.
Local eateries and even school canteens saw the profit in selling extra-sweet drinks and sugar added to mere coloured water. Today, many restaurants add sugar to sambal, thinking that customers want it that way.
It is common to ask for “kurang manis” (less sugar) when we place our orders for teh tarik (frothy tea) or kopi-O (plain coffee) – only to find it served sweet. The use of condensed milk adds to the extra sweetness of the tea or coffee.
Even locally manufactured biscuits that are advertised as “sugar free” or “less sugar” on their packaging seem sweet when compared to those in other countries.
So, are we surprised by the current figures for Type 2 diabetes in Malaysia -with so many people overweight or obese?
Poorly controlled or managed diabetes has resulted in many also suffering from other, long-term medical conditions such as kidney failure and heart disease.
The MMA president also warned that “we must immediately cut down on sugar in our food”. He has also suggested that Malaysia urgently shifts towards early detection of diabetes, beginning with annual health screenings for all adults from the age of 18, to prevent serious complications later in life.
Although this may be seen as a sound strategy to address the problem, it does not singularly solve the problem. As he correctly pointed out, we need the government to commit to stronger public health education through schools, the workplace and the media.
Will people in Malaysia become more responsible and more informed? Will they be more determined to eat healthy food?
Will the government under Anwar Ibrahim finally address the sugar addiction problem that has become a health crisis?
Let’s start by getting the food industry to be more responsible. It is time to prioritise the good health of the people.
AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
