Not another sugar high: Anwar urges Malaysians to reduce sugar intake following Asia’s top diabetic nation label

PUTRAJAYA: To repair Malaysia’s image of having the highest diabetes rate in Asia, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim urged all segments of society to reduce their sugar intake.

He said, the responsibility to ensure this should not only be placed on the shoulders of the Health Ministry but also on other ministries, food and beverages sellers, as well as the public.

Anwar said as a country with a Muslim majority population, Malaysians must understand the religion’s emphasis on a healthy lifestyle.

“Islam stresses leading a healthy lifestyle but Malaysia is number one in diabetes because we consume sugar excessively, including the teh tarik I had earlier which I couldn’t finish.

“I want the Rural and Regional Development Ministry, as well as other ministries to go big on campaigns to reduce sugar intake. We can’t only rely on the Health Ministry to do this.

“I want to see programmes held by all ministries to reduce their sugar intake, even during a feast. Otherwise, I will feel disappointed.

“In Malaysia, our awareness of Islamic teachings is high where we have religious talks all the time but unfortunately, our diabetic rate is uncontrolled,” he said when launching the 2023 Karnival Usahawan Desa @Putrajaya at Anjung Floria, here on Saturday (Nov 25).

The Karnival Usahawan Desa which started on Wednesday (Nov 22) until Sunday (Nov 26) is open to the public from 10am to 10pm.

In his speech, Anwar described the carnival as a successful programme as it has received an extraordinary and encouraging response.

“This is our opportunity to reveal the efforts made by the Rural and Regional Development Ministry under the helm of Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and to celebrate entrepreneurs so that they are given encouragement and support both from the government machinery and the people.”

Further in his speech, Anwar said the government is allocating RM1 billion next year for the Madani Community Fund initiative, to help rural communities start their own economic projects.

The Finance Minister said each rural community will be given a maximum fund of RM100,000 to start economic projects such as handicrafts or hydroponics.

“Money (funds) is given to the penghulu, penggawa or tuai rumah, after holding a meeting and deciding what economic projects are best for their village.

“I want to see the villagers decide and run the projects at low cost, manage with RM100,000 and see what can be done. If all goes well, we may increase it to RM2bil.

“Spend prudently and follow the rules. The allocated funds are to be used specifically for its intended purpose, not for the repair of damaged fences or bridges,” Anwar added.