PETALING JAYA: Whether it involves working graveyard shifts or simply socialising with friends late at night for a “lepak” session, Malaysians cannot resist the urge for supper.
For many, having supper has become a habit that is difficult to kick.
Mohd Sabri Abdul Halim, 35, said that he agreed that Malaysians have a late-night eating culture due to the easy access to food at night.
“Mamaks are open 24 hours, and our fast food restaurants are everywhere. We need to teach the young to eat more healthily,” he said.
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The engineer from Melaka said that he developed the habit of having supper due to working night shifts, watching television, and socialising with friends.
“I tend to reach for fries, fast food, and kebabs even late at night,” he said.
“I know it is unhealthy, but I am trying to make changes by eating right,” he added.
Grace Selva, 28, who works in customer service, said she tends to eat more while working graveyard shifts.
“Since our shifts are usually at night, I tend to eat to stay awake. Usually, you don’t get any healthy options at that time. So, fast food or mamak food is usually the go-to. These are usually heavy and not easy on the stomach,” she said.
“Besides coffee, food helps keep me awake. I have gained 7kgs since I started working,” she said.
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Echoing that, Dr Lim, a medical officer at a hospital in Kuala Lumpur, also said that, despite being in the medical field, she has a habit of eating during night shifts.
“Even when I am not working at night, I would raid the fridge to see if I have something to munch on. It is out of habit rather than hunger. I know it is unhealthy, but sometimes you just can’t help it,” she added.
Marketing executive Leon Lim, 25, from Cheras, said he occasionally has supper at mamak restaurants while watching sports matches with his friends.
He concurred with the latest findings, saying that Malaysians ought to practise self-control and engage in more physical activity.
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“Late-night supper in mamak restaurants has become a cultural norm for us Malaysians.
“It all depends on how often one typically indulges in very late-night suppers and whether they maintain a more active lifestyle,” he said.
Ahmad Hanifah, 30, echoed the sentiment, saying that it is all about moderation and balance.
“Sometimes, you just can’t turn down an invitation to have a late-night teh tarik session with friends.
“However, I still believe that moderation is the key, such as ordering less sugary drinks or avoiding staying out too late and missing out on sleep time,” said Ahmad, who hails from Kuala Lumpur.
