KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged all parties to heed his recommendation of reducing sugar intake seriously, as the country grapples with a high prevalence of diabetes among its population.
Anwar, who also serves as the Finance Minister, indicated that Malaysia is among the nations with the highest number of diabetes diagnoses.
"In the past, Kelantan had the highest number of cases, then Kedah, and now Negri Sembilan has taken over. Let's not compete to have more cases of this disease.
"Reducing sugar intake is a sensible measure to prevent further complications, and I hope this is taken seriously.
"This issue is not just about the government's action to gradually increase the excise duty on sugary drinks by 40sen per litre from January,” he said during the tabling of the Supply Bill 2025 for its second reading at the Dewan Negara sitting on Wednesday (Dec 4).
Anwar also suggested the Parliament House canteen and all cafes within the compound cut the sugar content in beverages served by up to 50%.
"I propose that the Parliament canteen follow what the Prime Minister's Department has implemented, which is to reduce the sugar content in beverages by 50%.
"It's only fitting because MPs and senators should be the ones setting a good example,” he said.
The Malaysian Parliament reportedly launched the Sugar-Free Day initiative every Wednesday, starting from mid-October. – Bernama
