SEBERANG JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for a sustained nationwide campaign to reduce sugar consumption, warning that Malaysia is “finding disease instead of preventing it” as diabetes and obesity rates continue to rise.
Speaking at the launch of the new Seberang Jaya Hospital building here today, Anwar said Malaysia recorded among the highest sugar consumption levels in Asia, contributing to diabetes and obesity becoming major public health challenges.
“We spend tens of billions on healthcare, yet people continue to consume excessive sugar. This is not sustainable,” he said, adding that prevention must begin within hospitals and government institutions themselves.
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Anwar directed the Health Ministry to ensure that all beverages and food served in hospitals contained minimal sugar, with clear educational posters displayed to raise public awareness.
“All hospitals and clinics must show clearly that excessive sugar is prohibited.
“Hospital meals, refreshments and government functions must be controlled. If we don’t start with ourselves, any campaign will fail,” he added.
MORE TO COME
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