No decision reached on tax for sugary drinks - Dr Subramaniam

There has been no decision yet to impose tax on sugar sweetened beverages, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaiam.

He said the proposal was still being discussed at the ministerial level and any decision made would be ensured to have a good impact on the health of Malaysians.

"We are still discussing it. We are also looking into whether the reduction in subsidies for sugar we implemented earlier had managed to reduce sugar consumption among Malaysians," he told reporters after opening the Ulu Kenas Rural Clinic in Manong here, today.

Yesterday his deputy, Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya said the ministry planned to impose tax on sugary drinks that were imported or processed in factories here in order to reduce the number of diabetics in the country.

On the opening of the new clinic, Dr Subramaniam said the RM2.6 million facility would provide health screening, outpatient treatment as well as maternity and child health services to over 1,500 residents of Ulu Kenas and three surrounding villages.

He said the Kuala Kangsar constituency also had six health clinics and two maternity and child health clinics.