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Malaysia to Increase Sugar Tax to Combat Diabetes
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Malaysia plans to increase its sugar tax, aiming to curb diabetes and non-communicable diseases. The current tax, introduced in 2019, charges 0.5 ringgit per liter for sugary drinks. Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad announced a further increase, which will be detailed in the 2025 budget.
The existing tax has reduced sugar consumption by 9.25%. However, diabetes remains a significant issue, affecting 15.6% of adults. Obesity rates have risen from 44.5% to 54.4% since 2011.
Experts suggest expanding the tax to include refined sugars and high-fructose corn syrup. This could prevent consumers from shifting to alternative sugary sources.
The goal is to make sugar less appealing by increasing costs. While this won’t eliminate non-communicable diseases, it’s a step in the right direction. Education and awareness are next.
Key Terms:
- Non-communicable diseases (NCDs): Chronic illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, and obesity that are not contagious.
- High-fructose corn syrup: A sweetener commonly used in processed foods, contributing to high sugar intake.
| Scores | Value | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Objectivity | 5 | Balanced reporting with factual support. |
| Social Impact | 5 | Significant influence on public health policy. |
| Credibility | 5 | Solid evidence from authoritative sources. |
| Potential | 6 | High potential to impact public health. |
| Practicality | 4 | Highly practical for public health measures. |
| Entertainment Value | 2 | Minimal entertainment value, focused on health. |