Apr 17 2024, 11:28 AM, updated 2y ago
Malaysia’s love affair with sweetness poses a formidable challenge to the government’s efforts to reduce sugar consumption, judging from the prevailing sentiment among those living and working in the federal administrative capital after the rollout of a pilot project.
Reception has been lukewarm in Putrajaya where the “Kurang Manis” (Less Sweet) campaign was first launched to promote healthier drinking habits, reflecting a broader cultural resistance to change.
“There are no drinks in Malaysia that’s made without sugar. If it’s not sweet, it’s not nice,” drinks stall vendor Jamilah Hasyim told Malay Mail when asked her views of the campaign during a recent visit.
Jamilah, stationed at a drinks stall in Putrajaya’s Precinct 16, believes that change must begin at home, advocating for parental guidance in instilling healthier drinking habits.
“It should start from the home. Take for example my relatives, they encourage their kids to drink plain water and avoid sugary drinks even at home. Making it a habit and not feeding your kids sugar at a young age can curb that addiction,” she said.
The government’s Sugar Reduction Advocacy Plan, spearheaded by former health minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa, aims to raise awareness about the perils of excessive sugar consumption.
Under this initiative, several food courts in Putrajaya have committed to using only one teaspoon of sugar per drink, marking a modest step towards healthier beverage options.
Dr Zaliha said studies have shown a link between excessive sugar intake and various diseases, and urged Malaysians to be aware of the foods and drinks they consume, especially those that are pre-cooked or pre-packaged because many sweetened drinks for sale contain high sugar levels, including carbonated drinks, cordials or syrups, and sweetened drinks made from tea and coffee.
At Kak Ct Corner in Precinct 8, a seller who only wanted to be known as Nazarullah said he and his colleagues have responded to the campaign by reducing the amount of condensed milk in their beverages.
While they’ve encountered some receptive customers, Nazarullah acknowledges the prevailing demand for sweeter drinks.
“Our observations show the public still want that sweet taste,” he conceded.
“In a two and a half litre mix we used to use two full cans of condensed milk, now we’re using one and a half only. We’re already reducing the sugar levels but we can’t reduce that much because the customers don’t want it that way.
“As for our regulars we tell them that we’re serving less sugar and so far there’ve been no complaints. Thing is if they come and say we want it sweet then we have no choice but to serve it that way,” he told Malay Mail.
Dr Zaliha said studies have shown a link between excessive sugar intake and various diseases, and urged Malaysians to be aware of the foods and drinks they consume, especially those that are pre-cooked or pre-packaged because many sweetened drinks for sale contain high sugar levels, including carbonated drinks, cordials or syrups, and sweetened drinks made from tea and coffee.
At Kak Ct Corner in Precinct 8, a seller who only wanted to be known as Nazarullah said he and his colleagues have responded to the campaign by reducing the amount of condensed milk in their beverages.
While they’ve encountered some receptive customers, Nazarullah acknowledges the prevailing demand for sweeter drinks.
“Our observations show the public still want that sweet taste,” he conceded.
“In a two and a half litre mix we used to use two full cans of condensed milk, now we’re using one and a half only. We’re already reducing the sugar levels but we can’t reduce that much because the customers don’t want it that way.
“As for our regulars we tell them that we’re serving less sugar and so far there’ve been no complaints. Thing is if they come and say we want it sweet then we have no choice but to serve it that way,” he told Malay Mail.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/202...ste-buds/127057
Health Ministry Kurang Manis campaign unsuccessful
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