The HEALTH Plus | OCTOBER, 2019
04
p04
“There has been
many research in
regards to health
for palm oil, we
know that it is a
healthier choice in
cooking oil. However
it has unfortunately
been associated with
deforestation and the
environment. ”
— Datuk Dr Marimuthu
Nadason
There is now a bigger selection of healthier alternatives among the aisles of our supermarkets.
environmental impact of palm oil production
- but he is confi dent that the proper authority
does have the means to not destroy the
environment while producing them.
“I don’t believe that the authorities related
to palm oil production would want to still
produce and promote their product at the cost
of our environment. All that it comes down to
is whether we have the means to choose what
is right for our health and well-being.”
Healthy food
is a welcomed trend Go local
Awareness for healthier
foods among Malaysian
consumers is present,
but still leaves a lot
to be desired Bad habits still to curb
T
AKE a walk along the isles at
one of the big supermarkets
or hypermarkets nowadays
and you can see that many of
the products available have its
healthier alternatives. Whether
it be things like breakfast cereals, pastas, or
juices, this rise in healthier foods is a refl ection
that Malaysian consumers are turning
health-savvy.
The notion that Malaysians are becoming
more aware and are choosing healthier
food is a welcomed one, particularly to Prof
Datuk Dr Marimuthu Nadason, President
of the Federation of Malaysian Consumers
Associations (FOMCA).
What is FOMCA?
FOMCA is an organisation that spreads
awareness for consumer rights and standards,
while also acting as the centre for their
feedback and complaints regarding various
products or services. Dr Marimuthu explains
that through the complaints, they could
refer the consumers to any existing laws
and standards pertaining to their problem,
organise a campaign to tackle the problem, as
well as assisting in law reformation of certain
services and products off ered to Malaysian
consumers.
Our health-conscious Malaysians
Dr Marimuthu agrees that Malaysian
consumers are looking to be healthier.
“We can see every day that men and women
in Malaysia wants to be good-looking and
healthy. They see healthy dishes in social
media and they are inspired to buy and
cook themselves food that are more rich in
ALMOST
PERFECT:
Dr Marimuthu explains
that healthy lifestyle
and eating habits are
becoming more popular
among Malaysian
consumers, but there are
room to improve.
nutrients and less fattening. They go to the
gym, they go for walks, they do runs - all for
the sake of becoming a better and healthier
person,” he exclaims.
Product selection
among consumers are improving
There is now a plethora of healthy food
products waiting to be discovered by the
public. However, a big portion of the products
we deem healthy are not of local produce,
therefore are more expensive. “We hear
people would swear over how benefi cial
virgin coconut oil is, or how magnifi cently
healthy quinoas can be. And although these
ingredients may very well be very healthy,
consumers now still lack the awareness
regarding the benefi cial palm oil.”
Dr Marimuthu says that the literature on
the benefi ts of our locally produced palm oil is
in abundance. “There has been many research
in regards to health for palm oil, we know that
it is a healthier choice in cooking oil. However
it has unfortunately been associated with
deforestation and the environment,” he says.
He says that he does not have the
authority nor the expertise to speak about the
A view of the activities that can be done to
encourage a healthy lifestyle.
Dr Marimuthu is a fi rm believer of healthy
eating habits to be sourced through our local
products. Things such as local vegetables and
ulam, fruits, soy products, and even meat and
poultry, can be a healthy choice if you know
how to prepare them. “And most importantly,
practice healthy lifestyle. Go for walks, spend
less time looking at gadgets, and exercise
regularly on top of practising healthy eating
habits,” he advises.
All is not well and good however when it comes
to changing our bad eating habits. Our culture
of late night munching, big single portions,
and the ever-present visitation to fast food
restaurants is still overshadowing Malaysians
who just wants to curb that bad habit. “Our love
for food, and how it is always available 24 hours
a day makes it diffi cult for many to change their
eating pattern,” he laments.
Having said that, Dr Marimuthu does have
faith in healthier eating habits to become
a mainstay among society rather than just
a trend as it is now. “I do believe that more
Malaysians are becoming more aware of their
bad eating habits and are trying to improve.
They look for information on the web, they
research on what type of products they should
consume, and best of all, they are committing
to it. Furthermore, we have consumers who
are starting to fi nd healthier alternatives for
their children, passing healthy eating habits to
the next generation,” he brightly explains.
— The Health Plus
Activity Pyramid
Cut down on
Watching TV
Video & computer games
2-3
3 times a week
Stretching, endurance & strength training
3-5 times a week
Play sports
Aerobic exercise
Everyday
Taking the stairs, walking, doing house chores, gardening