GEORGE TOWN: Malaysians celebrating Deepavali should consider cutting down on sugar when preparing festive treats, says the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP).
CAP senior education officer N.V. Subbarow said many popular Deepavali cookies and sweets contained large amounts of white sugar and condensed milk.
He urged families to reduce the amount of sugar used in homemade treats and adopt healthier eating habits during the festive season.
“With the community traditionally consuming more sweets during Deepavali, it would be healthier to use less white sugar in preparing festive delicacies,” he said in a statement on Sunday (Nov 1).
Subbarow said the high prevalence of diabetes among Malaysians, including the Indian community, made moderation particularly important.
According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2023, about 3.6 million Malaysian adults, or 15.6%, have diabetes.
Subbarow also urged Malaysians to be mindful of their overall sugar intake, saying festive occasions were an opportunity to make healthier food choices.
He said reducing sugar in cookies, sweets and drinks could help families enjoy Deepavali while adopting healthier eating habits.
Deepavali in Malaysia falls on next Sunday.
