TEH tarik,a favourite among Malaysians, is identified to have excessive sugar content in a Health Ministry survey.
Its minister, Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, said the random nationwide survey showed the drink contained an average of 4g of sugar more than that recommended by the ministry.
"The ministry recommends only 8g of sugar per 100ml," he said after launching the Chempaka Medical Services Centre on Monday.
Liow said the research by the ministry's food division last month showed sugar content in the drink was at 12g per 100ml.
"The public should opt for teh tarik kurang manis to help curb the number of Malaysians contracting diabetes."
He said the National Health and Morbidity survey showed that 14.9 per cent of Malaysians had diabetes in 2006, but it rose to 20.8 last year.
"The public should also stay healthy by reducing salt and oil intake as the percentage of Malaysians having high cholesterol and high blood pressure also saw an upward trend."
Cases of high cholesterol increased from 20.7 per cent in 2006 to 35.1 per cent last year.
Liow said many overate, did not take part in physical activities and had late supper, some as late as 2am.
"This is a very unhealthy habit as it would lead to obesity."
Liow said the ministry was focusing on a "prevention is better than cure" policy to educate the public.
Malaysian Dietitians Association president Indra Balaratnam advised the public to drink only one glass of teh tarik a day.
"Now that the ministry has come up with these findings, it will be best for consumers to avoid taking too much of the sweet drink."
Indra suggested consumers order teh tarik kosong and request for sugar in a separate container.
"The worker preparing the drink would not know how much is less, so it is better to take control of sugar intake individually."
She said the public should also cut down on other sweet food.
"When ordering teh tarik, do not take sweet kuih but go for something savoury."
"The ministry recommends only 8g of sugar per 100ml," he said after launching the Chempaka Medical Services Centre on Monday.
Liow said the research by the ministry's food division last month showed sugar content in the drink was at 12g per 100ml.
"The public should opt for teh tarik kurang manis to help curb the number of Malaysians contracting diabetes."
He said the National Health and Morbidity survey showed that 14.9 per cent of Malaysians had diabetes in 2006, but it rose to 20.8 last year.
"The public should also stay healthy by reducing salt and oil intake as the percentage of Malaysians having high cholesterol and high blood pressure also saw an upward trend."
Cases of high cholesterol increased from 20.7 per cent in 2006 to 35.1 per cent last year.
Liow said many overate, did not take part in physical activities and had late supper, some as late as 2am.
"This is a very unhealthy habit as it would lead to obesity."
Liow said the ministry was focusing on a "prevention is better than cure" policy to educate the public.
Malaysian Dietitians Association president Indra Balaratnam advised the public to drink only one glass of teh tarik a day.
"Now that the ministry has come up with these findings, it will be best for consumers to avoid taking too much of the sweet drink."
Indra suggested consumers order teh tarik kosong and request for sugar in a separate container.
"The worker preparing the drink would not know how much is less, so it is better to take control of sugar intake individually."
She said the public should also cut down on other sweet food.
"When ordering teh tarik, do not take sweet kuih but go for something savoury."
Read more: Sweet threat in teh tarik - Top News - New Straits Ti
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