Sugar Subsidy

Sugar subsidy is a very sensitive issue among Malaysian nowadays. Some believe that the sugar subsidy give a lot of benefit to them. Since, they are enjoying the cheaper price of sugar without thinking about the consequences especially their health. Therefore, government should cut sugar subsidy to promote healthy living, to curb wastage, and to develop our country. Our government should end sugar subsidy to promote healthy living to all Malaysian. According to Datuk Tan Lien Hoe, the Domestic Trade, Cooperative and Consumerism Ministry Deputy Minister the low sugar price has caused health risks people consume a lot of sugar (Chan, 2009). In government hospitals, some diseases such as circulatory disease and strokes, which were linked to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high blood sugar content and obesity (“Government”, 2009), caused about 25% of deaths. A study in 2005 discovered that Malaysian’s consumed approximately 26 teaspoons of sugar per person per day (Yeoh, 2009). It is suggested for added sugar not more than 6-7 percent of your total calories by American Heart Association (Becky, n.d). Furthermore, in the article entitled “Government will not withdraw sugar subsidy,” (2009) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakub the Domestic Trade, Cooperative and Consumerism Minister said in order to prevent from getting serious diseases such as diabetes, people need to lower their sugar consumed. In the same article stated that, about 1.2 million people would suffer diabetes by 2011 and the number was expected rise to 2.6 million by 2030 if people still consume too much sugar based on a survey by the Health Ministry. This means that people need to take care about the amount of sugar in their food to prevent chronic diseases. Therefore, if the government removes sugar subsidy it will help Malaysian to control the amount of sugar that they consume.

Furthermore, sugar subsidy should be abolish, as they are a huge waste. The Federation of Malaysia Consumers