‘Do more to curb sugar addiction’

Less is better: A higher tax is expected to be introduced in Budget 2025 to deter people from consuming too much sugar in their drinks. — AZHAR MAHFOF/ The Star

PETALING JAYA: Raising taxes on sugar is good but not enough to tackle Malaysia’s alarming rates of obesity and diabetes as the problem lies with their cravings, say experts.

Promoting greater awareness that their sugar cravings are as harmful as other addictions to heroin, alcohol and gambling, is key to bringing down rates of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) caused by the sweetener, they said.