KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 — Revenue from an upcoming sugar tax will be used to provide free healthy breakfasts at primary schools next year, the prime minister said today.
The Star Online also reported Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad as saying that the tax on sugar-sweetened beverages, which was delayed to July 1 from the original implementation date of April 1, had been postponed because the government wanted to ensure an effective mechanism to meet health objectives.
“We want our kids to be strong and healthy to perform in school,” Dr Mahathir was quoted saying in a keynote address at Invest Malaysia 2019.
The sugar tax will see a 40 sen tax per litre on soft drinks with more than five grams of sugar or sugar-based sweetener per 100ml, including carbonated drinks, flavoured and non-alcoholic beverages.
Juices or vegetable-based drinks with over 12 grams of sugar per 100ml will also be taxed 40 sen per litre.
