PETALING JAYA: Displaying calorie information on restaurant menus is helping Malaysians make more informed choices about what they eat, whether for health reasons or to manage daily intake.
For some, like 64-year-old housewife Zakiah Mohamad, calorie tagging could be a vital tool.
“If I knew the calories in a teh tarik and compared it with other drinks, such as lemon or barley, I would definitely choose the lower-calorie option.”
Zakiah emphasised that such information is particularly helpful for older adults and those with health conditions, like diabetes.
“Not everyone remembers the calories for every menu item. Having this information really helps, and it doesn’t make ordering stressful.”
She noted that many restaurants now offer healthier choices aimed at seniors, making it easier to select options that suit both taste and well-being.
For Abdullahakmal, a 35-year-old graphic designer, calorie labelling might not always dictate his orders, but it encourages healthier habits and greater awareness.
“Calorie labelling wouldn’t affect my order because if I’m dining out, that’s what I want to eat; otherwise, I’d just eat at home. I would opt for healthier, lower-calorie meals. It’s better to stay under your daily calorie limit than to go over it,” he said.
He highlighted that Malaysians are becoming more aware of the connection between diet and health, making calorie labelling a useful guide for everyday dining.
Meanwhile, 29-year-old executive Tarani Nathan sees calorie labelling as a helpful guide rather than a strict rule.
“It helps me track my intake better. I still have cheat days, but I can eat more healthily overall,” she said.
Tarani usually estimates calories at hawker stalls but would make more informed choices if the information were displayed.
She cautioned that calorie labelling should not make people overly restrictive.
“People generally know what is healthy or unhealthy. This shouldn’t stop them from enjoying meals. Balance is key.”
Tarani also said traditional restaurants that rely on daily sales should not be negatively affected.
Adding another perspective, 48-year-old senior IT professional Chin Kim Loong said calorie information allows him to calculate his daily intake and plan meals more carefully.
“I can see the calories, so I can choose healthier options with lower calories. Sometimes, we want to eat indulgent food at restaurants, but with calorie tagging, I can calculate how much of my daily limit I have left,” he said.
