AS Malaysians prepare to indulge in festive staples such as ketupat, lemang, rendang, and assorted traditional kuih during Aidilfitri celebrations, health authorities are advising the public to enjoy these delicacies in moderation to reduce the risk of diet-related health issues.
Prof Dr Norhasmah Sulaiman, a nutrition specialist from the Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at Universiti Putra Malaysia, highlighted the challenges posed by changes in eating patterns after a month of fasting.
"Typically, meals during Ramadan are more controlled in terms of timing and portion size. But during Aidilfitri, people are exposed to high-energy dishes rich in saturated fats, sugar, and salt, such as lemang, ketupat, rendang, and various traditional sweets," she told Bernama.
She noted that the main challenge is the tendency to consume these foods repeatedly throughout the day, particularly during visits to relatives and open-house gatherings.
Prof Dr Norhasmah warned that irregular eating patterns and excessive calorie intake can disrupt daily nutritional balance, leading to fat accumulation in the body.
This issue is compounded by data from the 2023 National Health and Morbidity Survey, which revealed that 54.4 percent of Malaysian adults are now classified as overweight or obese.
"Traditional festive dishes usually have high energy density due to ingredients such as coconut milk, sugar, and cooking oils, while physical activity levels tend to drop.
“The combination of these factors creates a state known as positive energy balance, where caloric intake exceeds expenditure, increasing the risk of obesity and non-communicable diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension," she explained.
However, Prof Dr Norhasmah emphasised that traditional dishes need not be entirely removed from festive menus, as they form an integral part of Malaysia’s cultural identity and help strengthen social bonds.
She recommended practical approaches such as consuming smaller portions, balancing richer foods with vegetables and fruits, and returning to the Malaysia Healthy Plate concept—half the plate vegetables and fruits, one-quarter protein, one-quarter carbohydrates—if overeating occurs at the start of celebrations.
Meanwhile, Prof Dr Ruzita Abd Talib, a nutrition professor at the Faculty of Nutrition Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, highlighted that caloric intake during Aidilfitri can increase two to three times due to heavy breakfasts, consecutive open-house visits, and continuous snacking.
"The culture of ‘the host must serve, the guest must taste’ can lead to unconscious overconsumption. Even a consistent surplus of calories over three to five days can contribute to weight gain, particularly if physical activity is low," she said.
Prof Dr Ruzita advised adopting moderation in accordance with the Malaysian Dietary Guidelines.
"Take small portions rather than avoiding traditional foods altogether. Balance your plate: half vegetables and fruits, one-quarter protein, one-quarter carbohydrates."
Practical strategies for managing intake during open houses include avoiding attending on an empty stomach, following the principle of 'taste, don’t finish everything,' limiting festive sweets to one or two types, and drinking water before and after meals.
"Aidilfitri should be a time to celebrate the victory of fasting and strengthen relationships, not a competition over who eats the most.
“Enjoy traditional foods with gratitude, but in moderation. The festivities may last a few days, but the impact on health can be long-lasting if one is not careful," she advised. - March 19, 2026
