KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry stated that almost 30% of young children in Malaysia suffer from stunted growth as a result of unhealthy diets across all income levels. Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni revealed that according to data from the last five years, 29.7% of children aged zero to four years old are currently experiencing or have experienced stunted growth. He also highlighted that Kelantan and Putrajaya had the highest ratio of children with stunted growth, suggesting that the issue transcends income groups such as the B40 or T20 groups.
He further explained, “Those with lower incomes tend to opt for cheaper and less nutritious food due to financial constraints, exacerbated by the increasing cost of living in recent years. On the other hand, individuals with higher incomes are often more focused on their careers, leaving them with little time to cook at home and resorting to fast food or other less nutritious options to feed their families.”
The Deputy Health Minister emphasized that addressing stunted growth in children is a top priority for the ministry due to its potential negative impact on the future generation. “Children who experience stunted growth are more susceptible to non-communicable diseases like obesity, which can hinder their productivity as adults and ultimately impact the country’s future productivity,” he added.
Lukanisman was responding to questions from Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad (PH-Kuala Selangor) and Datuk Dr Alias Razak (PN-Kuala Nerus) regarding the ministry’s efforts in combating stunted growth among Malaysian children.
In response, Lukanisman highlighted that a holistic approach would be taken to address the issue. This includes increased collaboration between the Health Ministry, other ministries, and key stakeholders. The Special Committee to Combat the Double Burden of Malnutrition Among Children, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, will facilitate discussions within ministries.
“We are actively seeking close cooperation with local institutions, experts, associations, and international bodies like the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) to tackle this issue before it worsens. Together, we aim to develop comprehensive plans and activities that enhance the nutritional quality of food for children and raise awareness among parents,” Lukanisman stated.
