Malaysia’s parliament declares sugar-free Wednesdays to promote healthier lifestyles

New Delhi, Sep 30: From the next Parliamentary session, Malaysia's Dewan Rakyat (lower house of Parliament) will observe sugar-free Wednesdays, according to a new initiative announced by Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul the local Malaysian media reported.

"Every Wednesday in the coming Parliament meeting will be a sugar-free day. The ruling covers everyone in Parliament, including the media," Johari said during a media briefing at Parliament on September 25.

The initiative, which aligns with the government’s focus on promoting healthier living, will be enforced during the upcoming Parliament session from October 14 to December 12. Under this ruling, beverages such as teh tarik—a popular Malaysian milk tea—must be served without added sugar.

"If you want to bring in tea, you have to check if there’s sugar in it. This is all part of an effort to foster a healthier society," Johari explained.

The move follows a reminder from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on September 8, urging Malaysians to prioritize health literacy, especially regarding the risks of excessive sugar consumption. The Prime Minister pointed out that Malaysia has the highest diabetes rates in Southeast Asia, underscoring the country’s need to combat rising health issues.

In addition to the sugar-free initiative, Johari highlighted the continuation of mandatory medical examinations for MPs, a practice he introduced to ensure representatives are physically fit to serve their constituencies.

"After making the health screenings mandatory, I’ve received numerous reports. Many MPs discovered underlying health conditions through these checks, and they are now undergoing treatment," Johari said. He stressed that MPs' health not only affects them personally but also impacts their ability to effectively serve the electorate.

Back in July, Johari announced that all MPs would need to complete health screenings by November. Reflecting on his 15 years in the House, he noted having seen at least 11 MPs collapse due to health issues during sessions.

"MPs must be in good health, not just for themselves, but for the thousands of voters who depend on them," Johari emphasized.

This health-focused initiative reflects Malaysia’s growing concerns over public health, aiming to set a strong example from within the country’s governing bodies.