Malaysian teens are shorter than the rest

While Malaysians were once of similar height to our regional neighbours, we have now lost out in terms of average height. — ZULHAIMI BAHARUDDIN/The Star

Malaysian teenagers are a short lot – and not because of genetical predisposition.

One in six local teens are considered stunted at 6-7cm shorter than the World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) standard height reference for adolescents between 10 and 17 years old.