Promote healthy eating habits instead, advises Presma

PETALING JAYA: It is better to promote healthy eating habits rather than force eateries to close at midnight, said the Malaysian Muslim Restaurant Owners Association (Presma).

Its president Ayoob Khan Muhamad Yakub said 24-hour eateries are not to blame for the health problems of Malaysians.

“Although the Health Ministry is concerned about the risks, they do not come from 24-hour eateries.

“We have to encourage a healthy lifestyle among Malaysians,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Ayoob said fast-food outlets, hotels and mamak restaurants or stalls provide round-the-clock service for people all over Malaysia to enjoy affordable meals at all times.

“Interestingly, mamak restaurants are an ideal gathering place for young people to watch their favourite games on TV without spending money at pubs,” he said.

Early closing of eateries may also affect the tourism industry, he added.

Ayoob, however, agreed that it would be good for the Government to place more control over some items such as sweetened drinks and food.

On Dec 25, it was reported that the Health Ministry has outlined policies to promote a healthier nation, which includes limiting restaurant operat- ing hours to midnight.

The 13-point plan revealed by Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam also includes taxing sweetened beverages and controlling advertisements on food and drinks with high fat, salt and sugar content that could lure children into buying them.