MALAYSIA – To help fight the rising non-communicable disease (NCD) among
Malaysians, the Health Ministry announced plans of hiring more dietitians in
public hospitals. Health minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said most NCD such
as diabetes, high cholesterol and blood pressure were caused my unhealthy
eating habits.
“We must tackle the problem from
the source which is by practising a healthy diet and create easier access
between dietitians and the public,” he said after launching the Malaysian
Dietitians’ Association Scientific Conference and General Meeting in Sunway,
Selangor.
“Because those who think they do
not have time for healthy eating will soon have to find time for illness,” he
added.
He said the statistics of
overweight and obese Malaysians was worrying. In 1996 only 4.4% of Malaysians
were obese but last year the figures shot up to over 15 % with a Body Mass Index
of more than 30, he said.
Liow added that NCD saw a rise in
the past years. In 2006 only 11% of Malaysians had diabetes but in 2011 the
figure shot up to 15.1% While,
Malaysians with high cholesterol level
rose from 20% to 35% in the same
period.
“It is time for dietitians and
nutritionists to be given a bigger role to take care of the nation’s health.”
We will send out our dietitians to the ground to educate the public,” he said.
Liow said dietitians and
nutritionists can also work together in rural areas to create awareness on
preventive measures to combat NCD at the grass root level.
“The public should be reminded of
proper eating habits and observing a healthy lifestyle before it is too late,” He
said chronic diseases can be avoided if the public maintained healthy eating
habits and selected the right food to obtain the needed nutrients.
“Dietitians can play an important
role in increasing awareness on healthy eating habits which would eventually
bring down NCD,” he said adding that their services was also needed to improve
the preventive and curative field.
He said every year 200 dieticians
are being employed and at present there 650 dietitians.
“We have increased the number of
dietitians to 300 under the ministry and would continue to raise the numbers.”
“We would like to also urge the
private sector to follow suit,” he added.
Liow said dietitians could also
work with specialists and doctors in treating patients.
“They also work with medical
doctors when treating patients to ensure the patients do not contract NCD by
giving dietary advice.”
Meanwhile, the Malaysian
Dietititan Association president Indra Balaratnam said the association was
ready to take up the role in educating the public on healthy eating habits to
fight NCD.
“The public can approach us for
advice on diet even before they contract NCD which will help create a healthier
nation.” he said.
The association also suggested
for the Health Ministry to have strict regulations on sugar content in food products.
“There should be a cut-off point
to minimise sugar consumption among the public.”
She added that the regulation
should not be a one off effort but a continuous one by all parties in fighting
NCD.
The public were also urged to log
on to the association’s website at www.dietitians.org.my for more dietary and
nutrition related matters.
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