KUALA LUMPUR — The government’s “war on sugar” barely scratches the surface of Malaysia’s obesity crisis, critics say, as the newly increased tax on sugary beverages falls short of what is needed to reverse the nation’s growing health problems.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s budget announcement of a 40-sen increase in the excise duty on sugary drinks — from 50 sen to 90 sen per litre — has been argued by former Health Ministry director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah that this move is woefully inadequate in tackling the country’s growing health epidemic.
Speaking to Scoop, Noor Hisham said the move would not significantly curb sugar consumption or address the root causes of obesity.
He warned that without a comprehensive strategy targeting dietary habits and raising awareness, Malaysia will remain one of Southeast Asia’s most overweight nations.
“The prevalence of obesity, especially among children, has risen alarmingly over the past decade,” said Noor Hisham.
“The consumption of sweetened drinks is a major factor driving obesity and cardiovascular diseases.”
Noor Hisham stressed that while the higher tax might deter some, real change will come only with a shift in attitudes towards sugar consumption.
“The most important change is to reduce sugar intake and lower the rates of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like obesity and diabetes, which are already burdening the economy,” he added.
Noor Hisham emphasised that education and awareness must start at home and in schools.
“The key to real change is shifting behaviours, and the sin tax alone won’t achieve that without broader preventive measures.”
He also underscored the importance of encouraging physical activity and promoting healthier eating habits to combat sedentary lifestyles, another significant contributor to the rise in NCDs.
‘Health Ministry’s 2025 Budget: A Step Forward, but Gaps Remain’
MoH will receive RM45.3 billion under Budget 2025, marking a nearly 10% increase from last year’s allocation.
Key priorities include maintaining and upgrading existing healthcare facilities and health excellence centres, a sustainable public healthcare system, and establishing a fund for rare diseases.
The ministry’s allocation is the second highest among all ministries, following the RM64.1 billion allocated to the Education Ministry (MoE).
However, Azrul Mohd Khalib, chief executive of the Galen Centre for Health & Social Policy, noted the budget’s limitations.
While praising its focus on human resources, he said it falls short in addressing the long-term sustainability of the healthcare system.
“The sugar tax increase does not fully address the subsidies given to sugar manufacturers,” said Azrul, which undermines the impact of the sugar tax.
Azrul also stressed the need for investment in digital health and modernising MoH’s infrastructure, suggesting that government-linked companies could contribute to funding these efforts.
He also called for a national health and social insurance scheme to ensure sustainable healthcare funding in the future.
While the inclusion of rare diseases in the mySalam scheme is welcomed, he raised concerns about the scheme’s fate, as it is set to end in 2025.
“The sugar tax increase is a step forward, but without addressing subsidies and investing in broader healthcare reforms, it won’t be enough to reverse Malaysia’s growing health crisis,” Azrul concluded. — October 19, 2024