The Perak government has approved a “Sugar Combating Policy” in its bid to protect public health.
The initiative was approved by the state on August 27, according to A. Sivanesan, Chairman of the State Committee on Human Resources, Health, Indian Community Affairs, and National Integration.
Sivanesan explained that the policy is designed to encourage lifestyle changes among Perakians through three core strategies: Community education and empowerment, supportive environment, and economic incentives and recognition.
“A special Steering Committee will be set up under my purview to manage the phased implementation of the policy, starting from September 2025,” he told reporters on Wednesday.
He emphasised that the policy demonstrates the Perak government’s strong commitment to public health and the well-being of its citizens. “With this proactive step, Perak is positioned to become a model for other states,” Sivanesan added.
Perak is the first state in Malaysia to introduce such a policy, and the government plans to take further actions to combat rising rates of diabetes and obesity, according to the news report by The Edge Malaysia.
The policy follows the state’s earlier ‘War on Sugar’ campaign, which aimed to reduce illnesses associated with high sugar consumption. As part of that effort, the government had already taken steps such as reducing sugar content by 50% in food and beverages served at all state functions, including official meetings.
