PETALING JAYA: Delayed health checks, easy access to sugary foods and limited awareness among children are some of the possible reasons why diabetes rates in Malaysia have not declined, according to experts.
This is despite ongoing efforts to address the problem over the years, such as increasing the sugar tax and reformulating beverage products to contain less sugar.
Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations chief executive officer, Dr Saravanan Thambirajah, said that affordability and accessibility remain major challenges to adopting a healthier diet.
“Healthier options such as fresh fruits, vegetables and lean proteins tend to be more expensive, particularly in lower-income communities.
“This is partly due to supply-chain issues, lack of incentives for healthy food vendors and the prevalence of calorie-dense street food culture,” he said.
Diabetes Malaysia president, Prof Dr Muhammad Yazid Jalaludin, said that despite years of awareness campaigns, diabetes continues to rise because lifestyle change is never easy.
“Many Malaysians face barriers such as busy urban routines and limited healthy options,” he said.
To reduce diabetes rates, Prof Muhammad Yazid, who is also Universiti Malaya Faculty of Medicine’s undergraduate deputy dean, said Malaysia needs a whole-of-society approach.
“This includes stronger policies on sugar reduction, subsidies for healthy foods and better urban planning to encourage physical activity. “
Malaysian Medical Association president Datuk Dr Thirunavukarasu Rajoo said many Malaysians only begin to adopt healthier habits after being diagnosed with a non-communicable disease or after experiencing a major health scare.
“Many Malaysians have also been putting off health screenings, but all should make it a point to do it.
“Early detection and intervention can make a significant difference.”
Medical Practitioner Coalitions Association of Malaysia former president Dr Raj Kumar Maharajah said many people prefer to remain in denial about their health.
“Furthermore, many Malaysians have low health literacy and awareness of diseases and their complications,” he said.
Consumers’ Association of Penang president Mohideen Abdul Kader said diabetes in Malaysia was expected to continue to rise.
“This is due to the typical Malaysian diet and lifestyle – a diet high in saturated fats and refined carbohydrates, both of which have detrimental effects on metabolism.”
Mohideen urged the government to impose a higher tax on restaurants serving fast food and to ban the use of high fructose corn syrup – an unhealthy substitute for refined sugar – in food.
Dr Raj Kumar said insurance premiums should also be reduced for those who lead healthy lives and are free from disease.
