Cases of overweight and obesity are now increasing at an alarming rate in the country, said Deputy Health Minister Datuk Dr Noor Azmi Ghazali.
He said based on the National Health and Morbidity Survey, which is conducted every four years, 50.1 per cent of Malaysians were overweight with 19.7 per cent of them facing obesity in 2019.
"This means that one in two adults is now overweight. As for children, 30 percent of those aged between five and 13 years are obese.
"The government is concerned that this matter will get worse. Being overweight can increase the risk of getting chronic diseases and non-communicable diseases," he said when launching the Malaysian Obesity Week here today.
He said the same study conducted in 2015 showed that only 29.4 Malaysians were overweight, while only 15.1 percent were in the obesity category.
This proves that the problem is now becoming more serious, he added.
Noor Azmi said several initiatives had been made to address the problem, including collaborating with companies involved in the food and beverage industry, to encourage the production of products that met the stipulated nutritional criteria, as well as imposing excise duty on sugary drinks.
Apart from that, he said public literacy on health was important in the effort to fight the problem of obesity.
He said all levels of the should play their role in helping to reduce the rate of obesity in the country so that there would be a healthier society.
The inaugural Malaysian Obesity Week celebration is held in collaboration with the Malaysian Association for the Study of Obesity (MASO) to raise public awareness on the dangers of obesity and steps that can be taken to prevent and treat the problem.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Fri Mar 25 2022
Cases of overweight and obesity are now increasing at an alarming rate in the country, said Deputy Health Minister Datuk Dr Noor Azmi Ghazali. - Oktay Ortakcioglu/Istock.com
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.