Do more than just a sugar tax for real change, say experts

 

Food labelling regulations, though well-intended, often fail to educate consumers, according to Dr G Shanmuganathan.

PETALING JAYA: 

A proposed higher tax on sugary drinks next year has been lauded in the nation’s fight against chronic diseases but experts say larger strides in policy change are needed for effective change.

Dr G Shanmuganathan, head of a federation of private doctors, said while small-scale measures such as the tax can serve as a deterrent and supplement larger efforts, they must not divert focus from systemic reforms.

He said the most impact would be made with education about nutrition; a modernised approach was required to push targeted, evidence-based campaigns to the public.

Shanmuganathan said current food labelling regulations, among others, often failed to educate consumers, though well-intended.

“Labels are technical and more focused on compliance than clarity. A redesign to make nutritional information more accessible and relatable is overdue,” he told FMT.

Shanmuganathan said that while sugar is often blamed for diabetes, many are unaware that carbohydrate-rich staples like rice and bread also contribute to blood sugar spikes.

“This knowledge gap highlights the need for a comprehensive education effort. The health ministry’s promotion units need to leverage social media and collaborate with clinicians and public health experts to create targeted, evidence-based campaigns,” he said.

The tax began in 2019 as an excise duty of RM0.40 per litre levied on all ready-to-drink packaged beverages containing more than 5g of sugar per 100ml. The tax was raised to RM0.50 last year, with an increase to RM0.90 proposed for 2025.

Shanmuganathan said as chronic diseases consume a significant portion of resources, “macro-level interventions” such as a royal commission on health would be needed to reshape the health system in terms of wide-ranging policies.

Moy Foong Ming.

“By prioritising preventive health and evidence-based messaging, we can take meaningful strides in combating NCDs and safeguarding Malaysia’s health and economy,” said Shanmuganathan, who is president of the Federation of Private Medical Practitioners’ Associations Malaysia.

Another health expert, Dr Moy Foong Ming of the faculty of medicine at Universiti Malaya, said the health ministry should not only target sugary drinks, but also ultra-processed foods high in calories, fat and sodium.

“Additional tax can be imposed on these food items. This tax can be used to subsidise healthier food choices like fruits, vegetables and high-fibre food. Efforts to get the food industry to modify their formulation of food products with lower sugar, salt and fat content should be carried out more actively,” she told FMT. - FMT