PUTRAJAYA, January 11 — The Health Ministry (MOH) is preparing to launch its “war on salt” campaign, aimed at reducing Malaysians’ sodium intake, following similar initiatives targeting sugar and tobacco. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad highlighted that excessive salt consumption contributes significantly to chronic diseases, resulting in premature deaths and a heavy burden on the healthcare system.
Dr Dzulkefly cited data from a 2023 World Health Organisation (WHO) report, which linked excessive sodium intake to 1.89 million diet-related deaths annually. The MOH’s initiative, still in its planning stages, will see its Nutrition and Public Health Divisions collaborating to implement strategies that encourage healthier eating habits.
“Every RM1 spent on this effort could save RM60 in healthcare costs,” Dr Dzulkefly said, underscoring the campaign’s cost-effectiveness in improving public health outcomes.
