KUALA LUMPUR, May 4 — In response to the escalating diabetes crisis gripping Malaysia, health experts are urging the government to take bold action by banning advertisements for sugary drinks.
Khor said that the number of prevalent patients on Renal Replacement Therapy, including haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, has increased significantly, from 34,272 in 2013 to 53,164 in 2022. A vendor selling sweet drinks in Puchong, March 5, 2024. CEO Khor Xin Yun of the National Kidney Foundation of Malaysia emphasised that curbing the promotion of high-sugar beverages is essential to promoting healthier lifestyles and reducing the burden of diabetes-related diseases. — Picture by Miera Zulyana“In addition to public health initiatives or campaigns, we need an all-societal approach and policies in addressing social determinants of health.
“By banning such ads, we can help shift societal norms towards healthier choices and reduce the prevalence of diabetes-related diseases.”Dr Inthirani said Malaysia, unlike neighbours Singapore, needs to learn to read labels better. She also urged the government to reduce the price of health products and not make it unattainable.
Despite efforts such as the Kurang Manis pilot programme in Putrajaya, which encourages vendors to serve drinks with reduced sugar content, the response from the public has been lukewarm, with many residents unaware of the initiative. — Picture by Raymond Manuel
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