Living in a food haven like Malaysia, we are constantly tempted by the delicious and diverse dishes available to us.
However, many iconic Malaysian dishes such as nasi lemak, roti canai, etc are high in calories and fat. In addition to our dietary habits, many Malaysians do not engage in regular physical exercise. These factors have contributed to a significant obesity problem in the country.
Malaysia has an alarmingly high obesity rate. According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2019, approximately 50.1 per cent of Malaysian adults are either overweight or obese, with 19.7 per cent classified as obese.
These figures are among the highest in Southeast Asia and indicate a growing public health concern.
The financial impact of obesity on Malaysia’s health care system is substantial, since treating obesity-related illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension requires significant medical resources and expenditure.
According to the Ministry of Health (MOH), Malaysia spends approximately RM4.2 billion annually on obesity-related health care costs. This expenditure represents nearly 10 per cent of the country’s total health care expenditure
The economic impact of obesity extends beyond direct health care costs. Productivity losses due to obesity-related illnesses, absenteeism, and premature death add an estimated RM 8.91 billion annually to the total economic cost, making the overall financial impact of obesity exceed RM13.11 billion per year.
For individuals, obesity significantly increases out-of-pocket health care expenses. A study by the Institute for Public Health found that individuals with obesity spend about 2.5 times more on medical expenses compared to individuals with a healthy weight.
Policymakers should consider initiating comprehensive public health campaigns aimed at educating the public about healthy eating habits and the long-term benefits of nutrition. Such campaigns could use various media platforms and community events to reach a broader audience.
Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad has also proposed a substantial increase in the tax on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), to 20 per cent of the retail price, up from the current 40 sen per litre.
Although this measure may be unpopular among certain segments of the population, it is a significant step towards reducing sugar consumption in Malaysia.
Higher taxes on sugar can be an effective strategy to curb excessive intake, as evidenced by successful implementations in other countries.
For instance, Mexico introduced a sugar tax in 2014, resulting in a notable 12 per cent decrease in sugary drink consumption within the first year. Similarly, the United Kingdom implemented a sugar tax in 2018, which led to a reduction in sugar content in beverages and encouraged manufacturers to reformulate their products.
Tackling obesity in Malaysia demands a multifaceted approach that combines education, policy changes, and community support. Here, I would like to record my support for the health minister’s decision in raising the tax on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB).
While such measures may not always be popular, effective policymaking involves prioritising long-term health benefits over short-term popularity.
- This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of CodeBlue.
