MALAYSIANS URGED TO REDUCE SUGAR INTAKE

PUTRAJAYA, July 17 (Bernama) -- Malaysians have been urged to reduce sugar
intake as it is the cause of many diseases and to practice a healthy lifestyle,
said Health Minister Liow Tiong Lai.

He said excessive sugar intake leads to obesity and diabetes adding the
government's 25 sen subsidy reduction would help reduce intake.

"Sugar has zero nutritional value. It only adds to your body size, cause
obesity and increase calories in your body.

"Please reduce sugar intake and take a good care of your health," he said
after receiving the Chinese Health Minister Dr Chen Zhu at his office here
Friday.

Liow said 14.9 percent of Malaysians are diabetics compared to only 8
percent in 1996 while it should not exceed 10 percent.

Malaysians are also advised to take a balanced diet, exercise, manage stress
and to stop smoking.

"The ministry will continue with the less sugar campaign and step up
treatment of diabetics to prevent other diseases like kidney failure," he said.


-- BERNAMA