Sun Sep 15 16:00:00 UTC 2024: ## Sugar Tax Hike Expected to Tackle Malaysia’s Growing Diabetes and Obesity Crisis
**PETALING JAYA:** The Malaysian government is expected to introduce a higher tax on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) in Budget 2025, aiming to curb the country’s alarming rates of obesity and diabetes. While experts agree that the tax is a positive step, they highlight that it’s merely a Band-Aid solution to a much deeper problem – sugar addiction.
According to counselling psychologist Dr Prem Kumar Shanmugam, sugar addiction is as potent as addiction to cocaine, but often goes unrecognized. This is because, unlike other addictive substances, sugar doesn’t cause immediate psychosis or hallucinations, allowing addicts to function in their daily lives.
“The problem is that many people don’t recognize their sugar cravings as a problem,” Dr Prem Kumar said. “They ignore it or downplay its seriousness. It’s crucial to raise awareness about the harmful effects of sugar addiction.”
He explained that sugar, like other harmful substances, triggers the production of dopamine, a brain chemical associated with pleasure. This leads to a vicious cycle of craving and consumption, with individuals often unable to resist the urge despite knowing the negative consequences.
Dr Noor Aishah Rosli, a clinical psychologist, emphasized the psychological aspect of sugar addiction, noting its role as a coping mechanism for stress, anxiety, sadness, and depression. She highlighted that different income levels have varying coping mechanisms related to sugar addiction.
Prof Dr Barakatun Nisak Mohd Yusof, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at Universiti Putra Malaysia, added that stress and sugar addiction are intricately linked. Chronic stress leads to an increased craving for high-sugar foods, providing temporary relief. However, this relief is fleeting, leading to a continuous cycle of stress and sugar consumption, ultimately contributing to weight gain and metabolic imbalances.
Research suggests that the rewarding effect of intense sweetness can be even more compelling than some of the most addictive substances, further highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach to tackling sugar addiction.
The Ministry of Health is committed to addressing the NCD epidemic through various initiatives, including the upcoming SSB tax hike. However, experts believe that raising awareness about sugar addiction, understanding its psychological complexities, and promoting healthier coping mechanisms are equally crucial to tackling this growing public health crisis.
First Piper 