No unhealthy snacks in food aid packs: Ratib
Published on: Thursday, August 01, 2024
By: Clarence Dol
Children showing their food aid packs with the organisers of the Program Kasih dan Kongsi Kem Nutrisi Kanak-Kanak Daerah Telupid 2024 at SK Pekan Telupid.
TELUPID: Food aid packs given to children should avoid unhealthy snacks, said Minister of Community Development and People’s Well-being (KPMKR) Datuk James Ratib.
On the other hand, said the President of the Sabah Community Services Council (MPMS), the food aid pack must contain the nutrients required for healthy growth such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals.
ADVERTISEMENT
“It cannot be denied that there were children in the State who suffer from nutritional problems.
“Several studies have shown that the main reason is improper eating habits and unbalanced food intake.
“This is caused by a lack of knowledge about nutrition among parents and guardians,” he said.
Therefore, James said, the government has created the Malaysian National Nutrition Action Plan to overcome eating and nutrition challenges in the country.
ADVERTISEMENT
This plan, he said, has outlined various programs including integrating nutrition in the school curriculum and holding collaboration between sectors to promote and support nutrition programmes.
He said this while inaugurating the Program Kasih dan Kongsi: Kem Nutrisi Kanak-Kanak Daerah Telupid 2024 which was held at SK Pekan Telupid.
ADVERTISEMENT
His speech was read by MPMS Executive Secretary, Joeanne Lee.
According to James, the programme organised by MPMS in collaboration with the State Health Department–Nutrition Sector, Telupid District Education Office and the Telupid District Welfare Office was accurate with the agenda of the National Children’s Policy, Malaysian National Nutrition Action Plan and direction of Sabah Maju Jaya.
“This program is in line with the national goal to produce children who are healthy, fit, knowledgeable and competitive,” he said.
The Kasih dan Kongsi Program was an initiative of KPMKR through MPMS that emphasises the importance of balanced and nutritious food for healthy growth and development among children.
“The Children’s Nutrition Camp is a community programme that combines the energy of the local community to provide exposure and education to the local community about healthy children’s nutrition.
“This community programme shows the good practice and high impact of collaboration between various Departments and Agencies in promoting the healthy Sabah agenda.
“Well done and congratulations to the organisers who managed to gather more than 1,000 students, teachers and parents from 15 schools in Telupid to participate in the programme.
James also expressed his appreciation to all the members of the programme committee who have worked to make a success that received such a great response.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Program Kasih dan Kongsi, Lawrence Hee said: “In line with the policies of the Government and Halatuju Sabah Maju Jaya to improve children’s well-being, this programme aims to provide nutritious food aid packs as well as healthy and balanced nutrition education especially for rural children by using interactive learning methods.
“This Nutrition Camp contains several components which are Know Healthy and Unhealthy Foods; Food Model and Food Taste Test; What’s up with Vegetables and Fruits; Healthy Malaysian Children; Exercise and Optimal Health for Me.
“Along with the subject of nutrition in the school curriculum, efforts to promote healthy and balanced nutrition education and fitness activities need to continue so that this knowledge can permeate the daily norms that are practiced in everyday life,” he said.
Also present, were Telupid Assemblyman, Datuk Dr Jonnybone Kurum, SK Pekan Telupid Headmaster, Dominic bin Nara, volunteers, parents, students and others.
Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
Daily Express Malaysia
