KUALA LUMPUR (ANN/THE STAR) – Hoteliers have officially joined Malaysia’s “war on sugar” and are set to display the calorie and sugar content of food served on their premises.
Set to start at 72 participating hotels nationwide, the initiative was created to aid government efforts in promoting a healthier Malaysian society.
Members of the Malaysian Association of Hotels, Malaysia Budget and Business Hotel Association, Malaysian Association of Hotel Owners, and Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council are on board.
The initiative was launched by the Malaysia Productivity Corporation’s Tourism Productivity Nexus (TPN), backed by the Health Ministry.
“Through healthier practices, we will not only strengthen the hotel industry’s reputation but also contribute towards the country’s productivity agenda,” said TPN Champion Rohizam Md Yusoff in his speech at the launch of the Less Sugar Advocacy programme for hotels here on Monday (March 10).
He said the participation of the private sector and hoteliers is vital for guaranteeing the success and expansion of this campaign.
“By working together, we can position Malaysia as a destination that prioritises both sustainability and public well-being,” Rohizam said.
Health Ministry deputy secretary-general (management) Datuk Zahrul Hakim Abdullah said the government was committed to strengthening initiatives promoting healthy lifestyles.
“The campaign by hoteliers is strategic in promoting healthy eating practices in line with sustainable development goals,” he said in his speech.
He also hoped for more hotels to participate in this initiative.
Last year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim encouraged Malaysians to take health knowledge seriously, especially concerning the risks of high sugar intake.
The “Jom Kosong” campaign was subsequently launched by Deputy Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Fuziah Salleh to encourage sugar reduction among consumers.
