GEORGE TOWN – Doctors have lent support to Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli’s statement that Malaysians tend to eat out excessively until it burdens their finances.
The doctors reckoned that the glut of eating out with no regard to the nutritional value of their meals also impacts the health of the average Malaysian.
With figures showing a continuous rise in non-communicable diseases (NCD) from heart disorders to diabetes and hypertension, Malaysian Medical Association former president Dr N. Ganabaskaran said that Rafizi is spot on with the notion of eating out.
“In essence, Malaysia is an unhealthy nation because our diet is not constricted.”
With the addiction to tastes and food, Ganabaskaran said that the public health authorities are combatting a losing battle against binge eating with dire consequences of Malaysians falling ill faster and at a younger age.
“We are ranked as among the most obese nations globally. Every data from the NCD shows that our disease affliction rates are going up.”
To worsen things, Ganabaskaran said that pharmaceutical prices are also going up following the pandemic, while only half of the population exercises on a regular basis.
He lent his voice to the proposal to limit the operating hours of 24-hour eateries, while also hastening the culture of consuming balanced meals and eating right.
And eating out is permissible but only for social occasions – it should not be a daily affair, he said.
Rafizi was reported as saying that past policies are the reason for Malaysians spending a higher proportion of their income on eating out and takeouts compared to fellow Asians.
He said that this is because of “unintended consequences of policies of the past” and the structure of Malaysia’s economy and wages.
Despite the increase in food prices, caused by previous administrations shifting away from agriculture, Rafizi said that it is difficult to encourage Malaysians to return to growing local produce such as ginger and chili.
“In other countries, eating out is seen as a leisure thing. You spend a lot more buying raw materials, cooking, and eating them, every now and then, you go out (to eat).
“If you look at it at the highest level, we are addicted to imported food because for decades, we didn’t think that it's worthwhile doing it (producing raw food), we had enough money to import, and we are paying the price now,” he was quoted as saying.
DAP Senator Dr Lingeshwaran R. Arunasalam also offered support towards reducing the urge to dine out by focusing more on healthy eating to check the rise of NCD diseases.
“I believe there is a role for eateries who operate till the wee hours. This may be needed to cater for segments of our society who need to work odd hours or round the clock and may not have the luxury of time to prepare meals for themselves.”
What is most important is raising public awareness of healthy eating habits including a balanced diet, taking plenty of plain water, and following the Health Ministry's suggestion, which is a quarter portion for the main meals.
“Meaning a quarter portion of carbohydrates, a quarter portion of protein and half portion of vegetables and fruits. Don’t forget to have regular physical activities as well.
“Ideally we should be eating more at home because with home cooking, we can be assured of the hygiene, and freshness of the ingredients as well as what we put in the dishes for seasoning. However, not everyone has the luxury for that due to various reasons,” he said. – The Vibes, September 23, 2023
