Until today, the emphasis on maintaining a healthy lifestyle has never stopped in Malaysia. Society is well aware of the benefits of a nutritious diet that can reduce the risk of chronic disease and improve overall well-being. Still, the phrase "healthy eating" often conjures up thoughts of high price tags. Organic greens, gluten-free bread, and other "health foods" are often seen as inaccessible luxuries. In Malaysia, the perception that healthy food is expensive often deters people from adopting nutritious diets. Many affordable and locally sourced healthy alternatives are overlooked due to cultural preferences, marketing bias, and misinformation.
One key factor driving the perception of healthy food as costly is the cost of production. Organic farming requires more labor-intensive practices and adherence to strict standards which drives up the price. In addition, inefficiencies in the supply chain including the transportation and storage of perishable goods, further escalate prices.
Furthermore, many healthy food items are imported products such as almond milk, oats, and avocados which dominate the health food market. This has skewed the perception of healthy eating as costly. However, many Malaysians are unaware that locally available, nutrient-dense foods like ulam and tempeh are cost-effective alternatives to pricier imported products. Similarly, consumers often choose expensive salmon as a nutritious fish option, but mackerel which is both more affordable and more nutritious is available as a better choice in the local market, yet remains under-promoted in the Malaysian market.
Besides, the affordability gap widens when comparing healthy food with processed options. Fast food chains and processed foods benefit from economies of scale, government subsidies, and longer shelf lives, making them cheaper and more convenient. A culture has developed in today's society where cheap and convenient options are commonplace even if the options are less nutritious. Because of this culture, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes and obesity are on the rise in Malaysia.
The inability to afford healthy food also has implications. Malaysia is struggling with the dual burden of malnutrition, which is malnutrition among low-income communities and excess nutrition which results in obesity. According to the Ministry of Health, more than 50% of Malaysians are overweight or obese, with diet-related diseases such as diabetes affecting adults. Low-income families often choose calorie-dense and low-cost foods due to financial constraints.
To address these issues, government intervention is crucial. The government needs to support local farmers and improve the food supply chain which can make healthy options more accessible for the people. This is in line with SDG 2: Zero Hunger which involves equitable access to affordable and nutritious food. Apart from that, we can promote local agriculture and educate the public about affordable alternatives like tempeh and mackerel can further break the myth that healthy eating is expensive.
Additionally, governments can also offer subsidies to farmers adopting sustainable practices and to businesses that market locally produced, nutritious food. This is to promote sustainable agricultural practices and reduce dependence on imports, advancing SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
Affordable healthy food is also vital for SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, as it helps combat diet-related health diseases and improves societal well-being. By adopting these measures, Malaysia can create a food system where nutritious meals are neither a privilege nor an afterthought but a fundamental right.
Healthy food should not be a privilege but a fundamental right. It is time for Malaysia to invest in sustainable agriculture, support local produce, and promote health education. Malaysia can establish a food system where nutritious food is affordable and accessible to everyone. It will not only enhance public health but also pave the way for a sustainable society and a more equitable future for all Malaysians.
After all, a healthy nation is a wealthy nation.
Soleha Nor is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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