Starchild: Malaysian children love their candy treats

Asher Wang Qi Chuen, 3

Don't we all love candy? There are many types of candy that come in all shapes and sizes. Many of us grew up eating traditional coconut candy or store-bought Malaysian-made candy like Haw flakes, a thin coin-like wafer made from the fruits of Chinese hawberries. And who doesn’t like jelly beans, chew candies or chocolates?

While it is always fun to snack on candy, ensure your teeth are brushed after eating sweet treats. Sugar contributes to tooth decay.

Recently Starchild asked readers to send in their letters on the topic, Candies. Here’s what they had to say.

“I have a sweet tooth and enjoy eating all types of sugary treats. Even though I love candy, I prefer them in small amounts. I opt for dried berries and dark chocolate because they are less sugary," says Jayden Tan Li Sheng, eight.

Jayden Tan Li Sheng, 8

Older sibling Jodie Tan Li Juen, 12, likes chocolate bars like Kit Kat and chewy fruit sweets. “My parents encourage me to be healthy so there are not many candies in my house. Occasionally, I am allowed to eat these candies. We have been taught to consume a variety of healthy food.”

Jodie Tan Li Juen, 12

Three year old Asher Wang Qi Chuen loves both hard and soft chewy candies. “Candies are a delicious treat to me. Candies are made mostly of sugar so it’s best to enjoy them occasionally in small quantities. It’s important to brush our teeth after eating candies to prevent tooth cavities.”

Bethany Wang Qi Syuen, six

Six-year-old Bethany Wang Qi Syuen enjoys all types of sweet candies but she consumes them in moderation. “Candies come in various shapes, flavours and sizes. Some are handmade while others are mass produced in factories. Certain candies, like honey candies and vitamin gummies, are good to soothe a sore throat and for general health.”

Claire Yap Jyn Wei, 5

“I dream of creating a house made from candies. The roof would be made of icing. The pillars would be stacked up with marshmallows and chocolate sticks on the ground. Colourful lollipops will represent trees, ” says Claire Yap Jyn Wei, five.

Cassandra Ong Yi Rou, 10

Sophie Yap Jyn Qing, eight, writes: “My favourite candies are lollipops, toffee, and jelly. These sweet treats are mouth-watering!”

Sophie Yap Jyn Qing, 8

“I like strawberry and grape flavoured candies, especially those that come in colourful patterns. Even though I enjoy eating candies, Mummy says I can’t eat too much because they can spoil my teeth, ” says Lim Jo Ern, seven.

Lim Jo Ern, 7

“Candies are one of my favourite snacks. I like lollipops, cotton candies, Smarties and gumbo candies. They taste yummy, ” says Chloe Leong Xizhen, eight.

Chloe Leong Xizhen, 8

Erica Lee, 7

“Lollipops, jelly beans and cotton candy are some of my favourite candies.They are sweet and delicious, ” writes Erica Lee, seven. – Compiled by Sheela Chandran

Find the hidden words!

ITEM: Malaysia has been on lockdown since June 1. During this period, families must stay safe at home. Even though it’s the school holidays, children must stay safe at home. That means no going to the playground or having play dates with friends. We are sure some Starchild readers have been helping with chores. Some children have taken this opportunity to learn how to cook and clean their rooms. What have you been doing during the lockdown? Have you been helping Mummy bake? Or have you learned to plant vegetables? Starchild wants to know.

E-mail your contributions to [e-mail] by June 18.

Please put “STARCHILD: Stay Safe” in the subject line of your e-mail. Scanned drawings should be in jpeg format, with a resolution of 200 dpi.

Your contributions must carry your full name, age (open to children aged 12 and below only), gender, phone contact, and address.

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