KUALA LUMPUR, October 4 — As Malaysia observes Children’s Growth Awareness Day, health experts are urging greater focus on nutrition, active lifestyles, and early interventions to combat the nation’s double burden of malnutrition.
Despite progress, stunting among children under five has risen to 21.2 per cent while nearly one in three children and adolescents now face overweight or obesity concerns, highlighting how modern challenges such as processed diets, reduced physical activity, and excessive screen time are undermining healthy growth.
With national strategies like NPANM III and the National Strategy to Combat Malnutrition in place, alongside tools such as the Growth Journey app, experts say collaboration among families, schools, communities, and policymakers is key to ensuring Malaysian children grow healthier, stronger, and better prepared for the future.
