Melaka: The Melaka state government has stepped up its sugar reduction campaign at eateries in the state after a 2023 health study revealed that at least one out of two people in the state were either overweight or obese.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, State Health, Human Resources and Unity Committee chairman Datuk Ngwe Hee Sem said based on the findings of the four-year National Health and Morbidity Study (NHMS), the overweight rate of people in the state was 33.3 percent while the obesity rate was 25.1 percent, adding that both rates were higher than their national averages.

"Melaka is the state with the second highest number of diabetic patients overall, at 20.5 percent, involving those who knew they had diabetes during the study and those who didn't know they were diabetic during the study but with blood tests indicating that they actually had the disease," Datuk Ngwe said.

He warned that the trend of this non-communicable disease is concerning as obesity and diabetes, besides high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels, can cause stroke and cardiovascular disease that can result in premature death. He addressed reporters after a cleanliness walkabout.

Datuk Ngwe also shared that the sugar reduction campaign is aimed to boost awareness among businesses to reduce sugar in the preparation of food and drink and will be expanded to all levels of the community in stages. He emphasized the importance of avoiding excessive sugar intake to control and maintain ideal body weight as well as to avoid dangerous non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and furthermore heart disease and stroke.

He advised people to adopt a healthy lifestyle by exercising and to avoid overeating.