Offer tax incentives to cut sugar content, say experts

 

Malaysia spends nearly RM10 billion a year to treat people with non-communicable diseases, many of which are linked to a high sugar intake. (File pic)

PETALING JAYA: A nutritionist has called for tax incentives to encourage production of healthier food and beverage, as part of the government’s efforts to reduce sugar consumption among Malaysians.

Nutrition Society of Malaysia president Tee E Siong said tax reductions for companies who produced healthier products should be included in the government’s strategic plan to cut sugar consumption, announced on Wednesday.

Tee said the programme must not solely focus on pre-packaged and processed food and beverages but also include non-processed items sold at eateries, including hawker stalls and restaurants.

“Many of the ready-to-eat food and drinks out there contain high amounts of sugar. There are no regulations that require them to highlight the sugar content or lower it,” he told FMT.

Tee said the health ministry’s plan must be broad and encourage healthier food preparation practices and the consumption of vegetables, whole grains and fruits.

Mary Easaw, a consultant dietitian with Cardiac Vascular Sentral Kuala Lumpur, suggested that food and beverage operators who abide by the health ministry’s regulations be offered tax rebates on their operating licences.

The ministry could also recognise vendors who reduce the sugar content of their products, she added.

She said the sugar excise duty implemented in 2019 should be continued and closely monitored.

Easaw said educational content on social media, compulsory nutrition labelling on food and drinks and more stringent regulation of items marketed to children were other measures that should be included in the health ministry’s plan.

Malaysian Dietitians’ Association president Winnie Chee said the government should make it compulsory for restaurants to offer free plain water and make water fountains easily accessible at offices and schools.

She said there must also be strict enforcement of guidelines for school canteens that forbid the sale of confectionaries, soft drinks and other sugary beverages.

In August last year, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the health ministry reported that the government spends nearly RM10 billion a year to treat people with cardiovascular diseases (heart attacks, blood clots and strokes), diabetes and cancer, all diseases which can be caused or worsened by high sugar intake. - FMT