Education Ministry intensifies efforts to combat unhealthy eating culture

SHAH ALAM – The Education Ministry (MOE) is stepping up efforts to curb unhealthy eating habits among students amid growing concerns over rising obesity and stunting rates nationwide.

Education director-general Datuk Dr Mohd Azam Ahmad said the influence of viral food trends on social media has been identified as a new contributing factor to systematic nutritional problems among children and adolescents.

He said viral foods that are often high in sugar, fat and salt – such as bubble tea, spicy instant noodles and ultra-processed snacks – are increasingly shaping new eating norms among students.

“This phenomenon has also created a fear of missing out (Fomo), where students feel pressured to try unhealthy foods simply because of social media influence.

“Meanwhile, healthier options such as vegetables, fruits and balanced meals are receiving less attention,” he told Sinar.

To address this, the ministry is implementing a more comprehensive approach through its Nutritional Media Literacy campaign, aimed at helping students understand the real content behind food promotions on social media.

According to him, students are not only taught the food pyramid in theory but are also exposed to digital marketing strategies and the nutritional content of products commonly promoted by influencers.

At the same time, MOE is transforming the Supplementary Food Plan (RMT), shifting it from a welfare-based initiative to a more targeted nutritional intervention.

“Previously, RMT focused mainly on food quantity to ensure students did not go hungry. Now, the focus has shifted to nutrient-specific meals containing high-quality protein and essential micronutrients.

“The RMT menu now includes protein sources such as eggs, fish and chicken, as well as iron, zinc and vitamin A to support physical growth and brain development,” he said.

He added that the ministry has also reduced simple carbohydrates and removed sweetened creamers and artificial flavouring from school meals to reduce obesity risks.

All RMT meals are now required to follow the Malaysian Healthy Plate concept, which emphasises a balanced portion of carbohydrates, protein, vegetables and fruits.

Azam said adherence to healthy eating guidelines has also been made a mandatory requirement in school canteen contracts.

“MOE has further tightened food regulations in canteens, including implementing a zero-sugary-drinks policy and banning ultra-processed foods such as nuggets, sausages and instant noodles.

“Schools must return to being spaces that shape healthy eating habits among students,” he said.

He added that collaboration with the Health Ministry has also been strengthened through digital health monitoring using the idMe (Identity Management) system and the Electronic Student Health Record (e-RKM).

He said that this allows students’ height, weight and Body Mass Index (BMI) to be tracked regularly to detect risks of stunting, undernutrition or obesity at an early stage.

He said the approach is crucial to ensure timely intervention before health issues become more serious and affect students’ learning progress.

“The long-term goal of MOE is to ensure no student is left behind in physical and cognitive development due to malnutrition, because a healthy generation is the foundation of national progress,” he said.