Image Source: The Straits Times

In an effort to reduce sugar consumption and prevent the rise of non-communicable diseases (NCD) among Malaysians, the Ministry of Health (MOH) will introduce a beverage grading system for sugary drinks.

“We will be introducing a grading system on sweetened beverages and premixed drinks ... based on the sugar the drink contains. This is similar to what is being done across the Causeway, where the level of sugar in drinks is graded A, B or C,” Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said in a press conference on Thursday, 16 May.

In Singapore, all beverages are graded based on their sugar and saturated fat levels through their Nutri-Grade grading system. Drinks graded “D” have the highest sugar and saturated fat content, containing over 10g of sugar and 2.8g of saturated fat per 100ml of a drink. It is mandatory for drinks graded “C” and “D” to display the Nutri-Grade mark on their packaging and on menus.

According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023 report, one out of two Malaysians are obese or overweight. There was a sharp rise in the prevalence of overweight and obesity by nearly 10% between 2011 and 2023.

"People who are overweight and obese are at risk of diabetes. They also are at higher risk of having cancer and fatty liver diseases.

"Therefore, the 'War On Sugar' is related to reducing the incidences of diabetes and other non-communicable diseases," Dr Dzulkefly said.

References

Health Hub. Nutri-Grade Mark. https://www.healthhub.sg/programmes/nutrition-hub/nutri-grade-mark#home

Says (20 May 2024). Malaysia To Introduce Drink Grading System On Sugary Drinks To Combat Diabetes. https://says.com/my/news/malaysia-to-introduce-drink-grading-system-sugar-diabetes

The Star (17 May 2024). War on sugary drinks. https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/05/17/bitter-price-of-sweetness