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PENAMPANG: Healthy eating habits must be cultivated from an early age to address the growing prevalence of obesity and non-communicable diseases among Malaysians, said State Women, Health and People’s Wellbeing Minister Datuk Julita Majungki.

She said findings from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2024 showed 13.6pc of children and adolescents aged between five and 19 years are classified as obese, while 23.1pc of adults are also obese.

She said the statistics highlight the urgent need to instil healthy eating habits from childhood through the collective efforts of parents, teachers and the wider community.

“Healthy eating habits should be nurtured from the pre-school years so that they become a lifelong practice. Good dietary habits and discipline must begin at home, as the family is the first institution that shapes a child’s lifestyle and behaviour.

“As the country continues to face rising cases of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol, greater emphasis must be placed on prevention through nutrition education and public awareness,” she said when officiating the State-level Nutrition Month Malaysia 2026 celebration at ITCC, here, at the weekend.

Julita said simple but effective measures can be adopted to improve health outcomes, including increasing the intake of fruits and vegetables, consuming more milk and dairy products where appropriate, and reducing the consumption of sugar, salt and fat.

“Small changes in our daily food choices can have a significant impact on long-term health. We need to make balanced and healthy eating a family culture so that our children can grow up healthier, stronger and more active,” she said.

She also encouraged the public to adopt a more active lifestyle and serve as positive role models for younger generations in promoting healthy living.

Julita stressed that maintaining good health is not solely the responsibility of the Government or healthcare professionals, but requires commitment and action from every individual.

“Health is a shared responsibility. Each of us has a role to play in making healthier choices for ourselves, our families and our communities,” she said.

Also present were Sabah State Health Department (JKNS) Director Datuk Dr William Gotulis and JKNS Deputy Director (Public Health) representative, Dr Abdul Marsudi Manah.