By Jheruleene Anne Ramos
The obesity rate among Malaysian children continues to increase, according to a recent National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) report.
NHMS revealed that the obesity rate for children under the age of five soared from 5.6 percent in 2019 to six percent in 2022.
For adolescents aged 13 to 17, the rate increased from 28.5 percent in 2017 to 30.5 percent in 2022, indicating that nearly one in every three youths is currently overweight or obese, Malay Mail reported.
According to Free Malaysia Today, Dr. Norliza Ahmad of Universiti Putra Malaysia said these alarming figures place Malaysia as having the highest childhood obesity rate in Southeast Asia.
Terengganu records almost 1 million obese residents
Terengganu is the most affected Malaysian state, with 988,000 out of 1.3 million residents – about 76 percent – overweight or obese, marking a 15.2 percent rise from 60.8 percent in 2011, according to the state health department.
The state previously saw obesity rates rise from 47.5 percent in 2015 to 49 percent in 2019, with the problem most prevalent among those aged 25 to 50 at the time.
State health director Dr. Kasemani Embong also expressed concern that one in three teenagers (30 percent) in Terengganu are currently struggling with weight issues, The Star reported.
Sedentary lifestyle a key driver of obesity
Kasemani attributed the rising obesity rates among children and teenagers in Terengganu to a sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy eating habits and excessive use of technology.
“Among teenagers, the constant use of gadgets and the easy availability of unhealthy food are major contributors to this problem,” she said.
Health experts also identified early exposure to ultra-processed foods high in sugar, salt, and saturated fats – such as chips, instant noodles, nuggets, and sausages – as contributing factors to childhood obesity.
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Health authorities warn of an increase in NCDs
Kasemani warned that this trend could increase the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems, and high blood pressure – all of which are already widespread in Terengganu and across Malaysia.
Dr. Norliza echoed similar concerns, noting that obese children are more likely to develop NCDs, which could affect their quality of life and their ability to perform well at work in the future.
NHMS 2023 data showed that 7.5 million Malaysian adults, or 33.3 percent of the population, have high cholesterol, while 3.6 million (15.6 percent) suffer from diabetes and 6.7 million (29.2 percent) have hypertension.
The survey also revealed a high number of undiagnosed cases of diabetes, high cholesterol and hypertension among younger individuals, raising concerns that health complications could arise at an earlier age.
Government drafting Nutrition Bill
In response to the growing crisis, the Health Ministry (MOH) announced in late May that it is drafting a Nutrition Bill following Cabinet approval, though Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni said it will not be tabled this year.
“We have presented a memorandum to the Cabinet and it has been approved. Currently, we are in the process of drafting the Bill and it will be tabled once completed, but not within this year,” he said.
In October 2024, Dewan Rakyat Special Select Committee on Health chairman Suhaizan Kaiat said the Malaysian Nutrition Act would be drafted to regulate children’s nutritional intake.
Meanwhile, the Terengganu state health department pledged to step up public health efforts, particularly its “War on Sugar” campaign, which aims to raise awareness of hidden sugars in food and beverages.
Health authorities stressed the need for public co-operation in reducing obesity, urging Malaysians to adopt healthier eating habits and drink more water to help build a healthier nation.
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Geoffrey H. Latayan 
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