SOCSO launches campaign to address sugar consumption among Malaysia's workforce

Unhealthy lifestyles, including excessive sugar intake, were identified as contributing factors to the increase of NCDs in Malaysia.

Malaysia's Social Security Organisation (PERKESO, also abbreviated to SOCSO) has launched the 'Tolak Gula' campaign on 11 March 2024 to tackle the rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among workers in Malaysia. 

According to a Facebook post by PERKESO, a health screening conducted by the organisation of 175,526 workers, revealed that 59.59% of participants were suffering from high cholesterol. 

Other statistics that were gathered included: 

• 23.52% had problems with obesity or being overweight,
• 20.45% were suffering from high blood pressure, and 
• 19.91% had diabetes.

Due to unhealthy lifestyles, including excessive sugar intake which was identified as one of the contributing factors to the increase of NCDs in Malaysia, the Tolak Gula campaign has been introduced. PERKESO aims to kickstart the initiative by providing sugar-free drinks in the workplace.

Officiated by the Minister of Human Resources, YB Steven Chee Keong, he shared at the ceremony, that the implementation of the habit of no sugar among workers can grow this community to lead a healthy, fit lifestyle, and drive positively towards a more productive Malaysia.

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Lead image / PERKESO Facebook