Kangar: The Perlis State Legislative Assembly sitting revealed today that the state has the highest obesity rate in the country at 32.8 percent and the third highest diabetes prevalence rate at 20.6 percent.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, State Women, Family and Community Development, Unity and Environment Committee chairman Wan Badariah Wan Saad stated that several initiatives are being undertaken to ensure that the state government's efforts to boost tourism and public health do not compromise community well-being. She emphasized that the State Health Department is actively monitoring the Food Festival to ensure that food handlers and vendors meet safety and quality standards. Various advocacy campaigns have been conducted to educate food handlers and festival-goers about healthier food choices, such as selling sugarless or less sweet food, offering smaller portions, and promoting fruits and vegetables.

During the question-and-answer session at the assembly sitting at the Seri Putra Complex, Wan Badariah was addressing an inquiry from Megat Hashirat Hassan (PN-Pauh) concerning the state government's actions related to the food festival, which is perceived to be closely linked to the state's health initiatives targeting obesity and diabetes. She was responding on behalf of Datin Marzita Mansor, chairman of the state Welfare, Health, and Entrepreneurship Committee.

Wan Badariah further disclosed that the State Health Department, in partnership with the State Education Department, plans to launch a 'War on Sugar' campaign in schools next year. This initiative will utilize the 'Sihat Stail Saya' model created by the Ministry of Health to promote preventive measures from an early age, aiming to reduce the incidence of non-communicable diseases as students grow into adolescence and adulthood.