KUALA LUMPUR: A senior nutritionist has lauded the move to include fresh goods in the list of essential items under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) aid programme introduced by Putrajaya.
Dr Tee E Siong said he wished fresh goods had been included sooner, as such a move would send the right message to Malaysians regarding healthy eating.
The current list of essential items includes instant noodles and biscuits as the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2024 nutrition report highlighted poor eating habits among both Malaysian adolescents and adults.
"Malaysians generally are not consuming enough vegetables, and it is difficult to find local fruits at reasonable prices," said Dr Tee.
"Chicken and fish are also important sources of protein in our daily diet."
Dr Tee said the authorities must find ways to make vegetables and fruit more accessible to the public, and that adding them to the SARA list is a positive step.
"I urge that the inclusion of fresh goods be expedited. We really need this."
On Jan 24, Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim, political secretary to the Finance Minister, said the list of essential items under SARA would be updated next month. He was reported as saying that several parties had suggested adding more items, and the ministry is considering including fresh goods such as fish and chicken, among others.
Dr Tee, who is the Immediate Past President of the Nutrition Society of Malaysia, admitted that most Malaysians tend to shy away from vegetables.
"I am really puzzled. There are cheaper vegetables available. Take ulam (fresh leaves and herbs), for example. They are affordable and healthy.
"We need to get the messaging across; we need to amplify it. That is currently severely lacking. One way of doing this is by informing Malaysians that the SARA aid will enable them to eat healthily."
He added that the best way to raise awareness is at home and in schools.
"Parents should play their part. When they go to the shopping centre, it shouldn't just be about the toy shop; they should go to the supermarket and teach their children about nutrition and which foods are good for their health.
"School canteens must also serve well-balanced meals. When children grow up in such an environment, they will learn what is good to eat and what isn't.
"We must instil the message of eating correctly in the minds of our children. Don't wait until they are 17 or even 55 before they start changing their eating habits," he added.
Main image: Domestic Trade and Costs of Living Ministry, Kuala Lumpur
