For a step to encourage healthier eating habits, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced a 30 sen discount on drinks with less or no sugar at selected Nasi Kandar restaurants across Malaysia.
Speaking at Restoran Nasi Kandar Liga Maju in Putrajaya, Datuk Anwar Ibrahim has emphasized the importance of this initiative in helping the public reduce sugar consumption while saving money.
“Previously, the price of drinks would sometimes be the same even without sugar. Now there will be a difference in pricing of drinks”, he said.
This initiative is part of the “Less Sugar” campaign, with participating restaurants offering discounts on healthier beverage choices. The Malaysia Muslim Owners Association (Presma), which represents 12,500 Nasi Kandar restaurant owners, is carrying out the implementation.
Customers can identify participating restaurants by looking for the Singgah Madani logo, a government initiative promoting affordability and healthier dining options. Presma President, Jawahir Ali Taib Khan stated that the discount has been well received by customers and encourages more people to have the lower sugar drinks.
Support for Foreign Worker Replacement Scheme
During the same event, Presma raised concerns on the workforce shortage in the restaurant sector. Jawahir revealed that the prime minister had agreed to continue the foreign worker replacement scheme, allowing restaurant owners to replace foreign workers without exceeding their approved quota.
He assured that this would not increase the ratio of foreign workers in the industry but instead help businesses operate smoothly.
With the both efforts of the government and restaurant owners, the 30 sen discount on sugar-free drinks marks a small but significant step for a healthier habits in Malaysia.
Sources: FMT
