IPOH: The Perak government has approved a "Sugar Combating Policy" in its bid to protect public health.
State health committee chairman A. Sivanesan said the policy would start immediately with strategic steps to protect the people's health, improve productivity and build a healthy and resilient generation.
"In Perak, we've discussed and approved a working paper on combating sugar since Aug 27 and it has been approved at the state executive council meeting today," he said in a press conference after a meeting with deputy Perak police chief Deputy Comm Mohammad Azlin Sadari here on Wednesday (Sept 3).
He added that Malaysia is among the countries in Asia with high diabetes and obesity cases.
"In 2010, diabetes cases in Malaysia were at 43% but are now at a dangerous level of about 54%," he said.
Sivanesan said there would be three core initiatives under the policy, which would be implemented over three phases.
The first phase would consist of education and community empowerment via economic incentive and recognition.
"There will be campaigns on various platforms, to encourage the reading of food labels, to use less sugar and have healthy catering training for food handlers.
"We also want to encourage free plain water to be offered at restaurants, hotels, schools and self-serve machines.
"Healthy meals are to be served at nurseries, pre-schools and school canteens, while we are making it compulsory for healthy food to be served at government meetings and events," he said.
To further encourage premises to use less sugar and prepare healthy food, Sivanesan said recognition would be given to those who comply with the guidelines.
"Local councils will give rebates to recognised premises for a business licence.
"We will also give them free publicity through government channels," he added.
