All 222 MPs Will Not Get To Enjoy Sweetened Drinks In Parliament Every Wednesday
The move aims to promote a healthier society.
In the coming months, the drinks served to all 222 members of parliament (MPs), along with media personnel and other officials, will be sugar-free
Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul announced on Wednesday, 25 September, that the ruling will be enforced throughout the upcoming parliament meetings from 12 October to 12 December, reported The Star.
He mentioned that common drinks, such as teh tarik, will be served without sugar during this period to set an example and encourage a healthier society.
"If you want to bring in tea, you have to see if there is sugar in it or not. The move is being done so that we will become a more healthy society," Johari was quoted as saying.
The ruling comes after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim reminded the rakyat to take care of their health, especially regarding sugar intake, as Malaysia has the highest number of diabetes cases in Southeast Asia
Anwar's advice aligns with the 'Jom Kosong' campaign launched by the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) on 13 September, which has resulted in sugar-free drinks being 20 sen cheaper at eateries and restaurants.
The sugar-free rule implemented in parliament comes in addition to a ruling that requires all MPs to undergo health screenings and declare their health status.
All elected representatives are given until 11 November to comply or their names will be displayed on parliament's website, Johari said in July.
"After making [health screenings] mandatory, I have been getting their reports. Many whom I have met said they discovered that they have illnesses following the health screenings. They are now undergoing treatment and taking medication," he said.
He added that all MPs should be fit to serve their constituencies.
Several food and beverage franchises have participated in KPDN's 'Jom Kosong' campaign:
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