KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry is ready to discuss cutting subsidies for sugar producers as part of efforts to manage the country's sugar consumption, says Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni.
The Deputy Health Minister said the funds saved from reducing these subsidies could be invested in improving healthcare infrastructure for the public.
"It is not wise to provide excessive subsidies while facing high costs for diabetes treatment, especially amid the increasing prevalence of diabetes among Malaysians," he said in his reply to Syed Saddiq Abdul Rahman (Muda-Muar) during the question-and-answer time at the Dewan Rakyat on Monday (Nov 4).
Syed Saddiq, in an additional question, suggested that the government raise the excise duty on sugary drinks and also consider slashing sugar production subsidies, which he argued as necessary to prevent Malaysians from continuing to depend on sugar as a "staple" food item.
While increasing excise duty could save the government RM400mil, he pointed out that RM1bil is still being spent on subsidies for the country's two sugar producers.
"If the government is serious about combating sugar consumption, it should not only raise sugar excise taxes but also gradually reduce sugar production subsidies, thus discouraging reliance on sugar," he said.
On Oct 18, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced plans to gradually increase the excise duty on sugary drinks by 40sen per litre, beginning Jan 1 next year. He said the revenue would be used to fund diabetes treatment and provide dialysis for kidney patients.
Acknowledging Syed Saddiq's proposal, Lukanisman said it needs to be discussed with the Finance and Economy Ministries.
However, he reiterated that the Health Ministry needed support from everyone in the Dewan Rakyat in its effort to promote a "war on sugar".
"It's important for the campaign to be understood by the public and that sugar subsidies would be reconsidered from time to time," he said.
Earlier, when answering questions from Yuneswaran Ramaraj (PH-Segamat) who asked about the total cost of treatment borne by the Health Ministry for patients receiving treatment for diabetes or health complications arising from high blood sugar levels, Lukanisman said the amount was "substantial" considering the rising cost of diabetes treatment.
Citing the "Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases in Malaysia: The Case for Investment 2021" report, he said the economic burden of metabolic diseases, especially diabetes, amounts to RM27.7bil, with the total cost for four noncommunicable diseases (cardiovascular, metabolic, cancer, and chronic respiratory diseases) reaching RM64.2bil.
"The increase is driven by rising patient numbers and infrastructure needs, as well as ongoing and long-term treatment requirements.
"With treatment costs hitting RM33bil, the government could invest in ambulances, clinics and hospitals," he said, adding that the "war on sugar" campaign should be supported and strengthened.
