The Hidden Costs of Sugary Drinks and Unhealthy Snacks
In the bustling streets of Kuala Lumpur, a common scene unfolds outside school gates where vendors sell an array of snacks and drinks. A female vendor, selling homemade ice cream for 70 sen a stick, asks a schoolboy if he wants the 30 sen change or sweets. The boy chooses sweets and walks away with his treat. This is just one example of how sugary drinks and unhealthy snacks are readily available to children.
Vendors selling candies, sweets, light snacks, fast food, ice cream, and carbonated drinks are a regular sight near schools. A recent survey found that these vendors are present every school day, with students eager to buy their favorite drink or snack as soon as school ends. At one school, a student was seen helping his father sell carbonated drinks after school. These beverages, often called air gas, come in various colors and flavors, making them appealing to children.
However, the hidden cost of consuming these sugary drinks daily is a growing concern. According to a press release from UNICEF Malaysia in May 2019, there has been a significant increase in the consumption of sugary drinks over the past 15 years. More than one-third of students consume sugary drinks at least once a day, and the average daily sugar intake for adolescents has risen from seven teaspoons in 2012 to 10 teaspoons in 2017. This exceeds the recommended limit for adults.
Taxation and Health Outcomes
UNICEF Malaysia highlighted that taxation of sugary drinks has been shown to reduce consumption and improve health outcomes. For instance, in the Philippines, sugar-sweetened beverage taxes reduced consumption by 8.7 percent, preventing thousands of premature deaths related to diabetes, stroke, and heart diseases. In Malaysia, an excise duty on sugary drinks was introduced in Budget 2019 at 40 sen per litre, increased to 50 sen in Budget 2024, and further raised to 90 sen in Budget 2025. This tax applies to three categories of ready-to-drink sugary beverages manufactured locally or imported.
The Ministry of Health Malaysia reported that the implementation of the sugar tax in 2019 led to a reduction in the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages among teenagers, from 36.9 percent to 16.4 percent. Young people and the lower-income group (B40), who are the highest consumers of sugary drinks, have benefited positively from this tax.
Compliance with Guidelines
Despite regulations, unhealthy eating habits among children are reinforced by the availability of fast food and processed snacks sold outside school gates. According to the Guidelines on the Ban on Sale of Food and Beverages Outside School Gates (2021 Edition), food premises such as static, mobile, and temporary hawkers are prohibited from operating within 40 metres of the school perimeter. However, existing licensed static hawkers and stall operators are allowed to operate within the 40-metre boundary but are not permitted to sell certain food and drink items listed by the Ministry of Education Malaysia.
Mahani Mohd Baseri, senior assistant for student affairs at Sekolah Kebangsaan King George V, noted that food and beverages sold by vendors outside the school compound do not fall under the school’s jurisdiction. She emphasized that all food items sold in school canteens comply with MOE guidelines, which prohibit the sale of snacks, fast food, or processed food.
Emotional and Mental Health Challenges
Obesity among children is not just a physical issue but also affects their emotional and mental well-being. Dr Muhammad Yazid Jalaludin, Professor of Paediatrics at the Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, stated that obese children are at high risk of experiencing stress and depression. He shared the case of an 11-year-old boy who was brought in due to obesity-related complications, leading to a condition called buried penis. Through a diet and physical activity plan, the boy lost weight and eventually underwent circumcision.
A study conducted by Dr Muhammad Yazid found that 29.4 percent of primary schoolchildren and 26.8 percent of secondary students were overweight or obese. This prompted the development of the ‘My Body is Fit and Fabulous at School’ (MyBFF@school) programme, aimed at tackling childhood obesity through physical activities, nutritional education, and psychological support.
The Impact of Social Isolation
Child psychologist Dr Noor Aishah Rosli highlighted the emotional struggles faced by obese children, including feelings of shame, low self-confidence, and social isolation. She mentioned cases where children were made fun of, leading to anxiety and difficulty in school. One 10-year-old girl refused to attend school due to being called “elephant” by her peers. Through mental therapy, she was able to develop a more positive mindset.
Dr Noor Aishah noted that early signs of mental health problems among obese children include depression, changes in sleep patterns, irregular appetite, irritability, and sensitivity. Weight-loss programmes can be challenging for children aged seven to 12, who are still in the “fun” stage of eating, compared to teenagers who are more motivated to look good.
The Need for Regulation and Awareness
Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) education officer N.V. Subbarow pointed out the alarming availability of unhealthy snacks and drinks, many of which are imported and designed to attract children. These products often contain high levels of sugar and little nutritional value. He urged immediate regulatory intervention to halt the import and sale of such products, especially near schools and in supermarkets.
Subbarow also called for nationwide health campaigns to educate both children and parents about the dangers of sugar-heavy diets and childhood obesity. As Malaysia addresses the childhood obesity crisis, experts emphasize the need for empathy, understanding, and acceptance to protect a child’s self-worth. Beyond healthier eating habits and lifestyle changes, children need support to feel accepted for who they truly are.