“20 sen off for every sugarless drink” – Govt’s Jom Kosong Campaign Aims to Promote Healthier Choices

Malaysians have a new “enemy” to fight, and the government has launched a campaign – Jom Kosong in a “battle” to fight the common enemy.

Through the campaign, The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Costs of Living is inviting all Malaysians to reduce sugar intake – the direct cause of diabetes, obesity, and other lethal illnesses. According to its minister, Fuziah Salleh said that diabetes has affected nearly 19% of Malaysians.

Here’s how the campaign works.

For every sugarless beverage you order, you get 20 sen off. This is also in line with PMX’s recent reminder to Malaysians to reduce their sugar intake.

Through this effort to battle sugar, Fuziah said the government hopes to see more Malaysians shift to a healthier lifestyle by reducing their sugar intake in food and drinks.

“As of now, over 14,000 restaurant operators have participated in the campaign, and more are expected to join Jom Kosong,” Fuziah added.

In her Facebook post, Fuziah also said that the average amount Malaysians take — 26 spoons of tea with sugar—is three times more than what the World Health Organisation (WHO) suggests for daily intake. 

Fuziah added that in Johor alone, nearly 700 restaurant operators have participated in the Jom Kosong campaign.

If “less sweet” is usually your option, what do you say about going zero sugar from now?

Also read: M’sian Shares How She Lost Her Left Leg at 27yo After Eating Junk Food a Lot in Secondary School