Sugary items no longer discounted in Madani Sales starting October 1

KUALA LUMPUR: Starting October 1, all food and beverage products containing sugar will be removed from the list of items eligible for discounts under the Madani Rahmah Sales Program.

According to Bernama, Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Fuziah Salleh said this measure is being taken to support the Sugar Reduction Campaign led by the Ministry of Health (MOH) to reduce sugar intake among the public.

“We will be removing sugar-containing items from the Rahmah Sales list… there will be no more discounts.

“Previously, Rahmah Sales offered discounts ranging from 10 to 30 percent, but going forward, items such as sweetened condensed milk will no longer be discounted,” she said at a press conference following the launch of the “Jom Kosong” initiative here on Wednesday.

Additionally, she mentioned that the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) has requested MOH to classify food grades based on sugar content.

She said this will be part of an advocacy effort to make consumers more aware of their sugar intake, in line with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s aim for the public to reduce sugar consumption for better health.

On Sunday, Anwar reminded the public to take health more seriously, especially regarding the dangers of sugar consumption, noting that Malaysia has one of the highest rates of diabetes in Southeast Asia.

Meanwhile, KPDN also launched the #JomKosong initiative today to encourage consumers to choose sugar-free beverages, in collaboration with local food industry players.

“With JomKosong, we start with ordering beverages without sugar, and if we want to add sugar, we request it. This is because currently, even if we order something less sweet, it is still sweet.

“KPDN will also work with other restaurant associations such as the Muslim Restaurant Operators Association of Malaysia (PRESMA), the Indian Restaurant Operators Association of Malaysia (PRIMAS), the Malaysia-Singapore Coffee Shop Proprietors’ General Association (MSCSPGA), and other relevant organizations,” she said.