KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia’s Parliament will implement “sugar-free Wednesdays” starting from its upcoming session, as part of a health initiative aimed at reducing sugar consumption. Dewan Rakyat Speaker, Tan Sri Johari Abdul, announced that the new ruling will apply to all individuals within Parliament, including the media.
“Every Wednesday during the Parliament meeting will be a sugar-free day. This means no sugar will be added to drinks, such as teh tarik,” said Mr. Johari during a media engagement session.
The move, which comes into effect during the session running from October 14 to December 12, aligns with efforts to combat the country’s high diabetes rates. Malaysia has the highest number of diabetes cases in Southeast Asia, as Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim highlighted on September 8, calling for greater public awareness about health and sugar consumption.
In addition to the sugar-free policy, Mr. Johari reiterated the importance of mandatory health screenings for Members of Parliament (MPs). He mentioned that several MPs had discovered health issues through these check-ups and are now undergoing treatment.
Mr. Johari emphasized that the health of MPs is critical not only for their well-being but also for their ability to serve their constituencies effectively. In July, he made health screenings mandatory for all MPs, with the results due by November, noting that at least 11 MPs had collapsed during parliamentary sessions over the past 15 years. The initiative aims to promote a healthier society and ensure MPs are fit to fulfill their responsibilities.