The Malaysian Bar is launching a call on the government to adopt and implement a comprehensive legal framework to address the worrying obesity rate in Malaysia, in conjunction with World Health Day celebrated annually on 7 April. The Malaysian Bar is concerned that medical advice alone will not be enough to promote healthy choices, and that legal reform is necessary to incentivise and encourage healthy living.

The obesity rate in Malaysia is alarming, with 54.5% of the adult population classified as overweight or obese. This has serious consequences, including an increased risk of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and heart conditions, as well as mental health challenges. The Malaysian Bar believes that a comprehensive legal framework is needed to address these issues.

The Malaysian Bar commends the government’s efforts in tackling the obesity crisis through health and nutrition policies, such as the national plan of action for nutrition of Malaysia III for 2016-2025. The plan adopts a multi-disciplinary approach and collaboration across various government agencies and sectors, and includes policy actions such as the introduction of a sugar-sweetened beverage tax and public education campaigns.

However, while these initiatives represent important steps, they remain largely fragmented and non-binding. There is currently no comprehensive legal framework in the national plan that coordinates cross-ministerial accountability with other stakeholders in relation to food regulation, health education, and urban design sustainability.

Proposed Legislative Elements

• Forming a national council on obesity prevention, chaired by the Ministry of Health, with representation from all relevant ministries, professional bodies, and NGOs, to ensure sustainable coordination, transparent governance, and annual reporting of health metrics.
• Promoting integration of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure and public fitness amenities into urban development plans by the relevant ministries.
• Implementing tiered taxation on the sale of products scientifically proven to be unhealthy, and channelling the revenue into a national wellness fund that could be used to support the implementation of health and nutrition policies.

The proposed policy initiative would form the basis for a structured, law-driven approach grounded in enforceable regulations and cross-sectoral collaboration. The Malaysian Bar believes that the law can and must be a tool for positive societal transformation.

The right to health is a human right and should be a legislative priority. The law must rise to the challenges of our times to meet the needs of the situation. The Malaysian Bar affirms its commitment to assist the government, specifically the Ministry of Health, in this legislative endeavour to promote the health, dignity, and wellbeing of all in Malaysia.

“Laws for a healthier nation, justice for a better tomorrow.”

Mohamad Ezri Abdul Wahab, the president of the Malaysian Bar, has expressed his commitment to promoting the health and wellbeing of all in Malaysia. The Malaysian Bar will continue to work with the government to ensure that the law is used to drive positive change and promote the health and wellbeing of all Malaysians.

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