KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 4 – Effective monitoring and evaluation of sugar content in menus at government events are crucial to ensure the success of the newly implemented sugar reduction initiative.
Nutritionist Associate Prof Dr Norazmir Md Nor from the Faculty of Health Sciences at Universiti Teknologi MARA emphasised that the goal is to achieve a 50 per cent reduction in sugar content, effective immediately.
“Regular monitoring and reporting are vital to ensure that our objectives are met. Ongoing oversight of the nutrition programme will significantly enhance efforts to reduce sugar intake,” he told Bernama.
Norazmir’s comments follow the recent directive from the Cabinet, which mandates a 50 per cent reduction in sugar content in beverages served at all government events after a health survey report revealed that 15.5 per cent of Malaysia’s adult population has been diagnosed with diabetes.
Norazmir also recommended using alternative or artificial sweeteners, such as Stevia or Erythritol, to replace natural sugars, as studies show these alternatives can reduce sugar intake without compromising the taste of food.
In addition, he proposed controlling dessert and sweet beverage portions by reducing their sizes and offering less sweet options.
“Offering sugar-free or low-sugar beverages, such as unsweetened tea, sugar-free lemonade, or plain water, along with reducing dessert and sweet drink portions, can lower overall calorie and sugar consumption,” he said.
Meanwhile, Associate Prof Dr Zahara Abdul Manaf from the Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia suggested that sugary drinks should not be served at every meal. Instead, priority should be given to providing plain water, fresh lemon juice, or green tea.
