KUCHING: Sarawak will look into the need for a healthy diet to address rising concerns of high cholesterol and obesity in different parts of the state, says Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.
The Sarawak Premier said health screenings during the recent Sarawakku Sayang government service delivery programme recorded cholesterol problems in Kapit and obesity in Sibu.
"According to the doctor in Kapit, a lot of people had high cholesterol. In Sibu, the problem was not cholesterol but obesity.
"So we want to study and find out the cause of these health issues," he told reporters after opening the Unesco Creative Cities Network (UCCN) Cities of Gastronomy annual assembly here on Tuesday (Aug 4).
Abang Johari said it was important to look into the nutritional values of local cuisine to ensure a healthy diet.
"We need professional dietitians so that we can serve balanced meals without jeopardising the taste.
"We also need to look at our consumption. Sometimes the portion is too big and not everyone can finish it, so it is wasted.
"There must be a balance so that we are not undernourished or obese. The most important thing is our health," he said.
In his speech earlier, Abang Johari said Kuching became Malaysia's first Unesco Creative City of Gastronomy in 2021.
He said Kuching was privileged to host the annual assembly for the first time, bringing together representatives from 40 cities of gastronomy worldwide to exchange ideas and experiences.
"Although we come from different countries, cultures and traditions, we are united by one common understanding and that is gastronomy is far more than nourishment.
"Food represents our identity, heritage, creativity and collective future," he said.
Abang Johari said gastronomy was also an important economic sector supporting farmers, fishermen, food producers, entrepreneurs, artisans, researchers and chefs.
"Most importantly, gastronomy improves livelihoods by transforming local resources, skills and traditions into sustainable economic opportunities," he added.
