Restrictions ‘won’t cure hypertension’

Health panel chief not imposing late-night nasi kandar ban until study is done

GEORGE TOWN: A suggestion by the state government to restrict the operating hours of nasi kandar restaurants as a way of curbing hypertension among sufferers is getting the owners all riled up.

However, state Health Committee chairman Dr Afif Bahardin said he was not ready to impose any drastic measure until a proper study had been conducted on the matter.

“The suggestion to stop nasi kandar outlets from opening 24 hours came to me from the state Health Department – before the general election.

“This is because one of the contributing factors to rising cases of high cholesterol is improper eating times,” he said at the Intervention Programme for NonCommunicable Disease Risk Factors among Civil Servants yesterday.

Dr Afif said with 52.2% of Penangites having high cholesterol, eating oily food at odd hours would not help lower it.

He said that while 17.5% of the national population was estimated to have diabetes, Penang’s was at 18.1%.

“There are not many eateries open 24/7 overseas. But our nasi kandar is readily available. We can have it at noon or 4am, even right behind Penang Hospital,” he quipped.

Dr Afif said the department suggested that nasi kandar be sold only until 10pm to curb the societal habit of late-night heavy meals.

He said another way to better manage lifestyle-related diseases was to encourage health screening upon reaching the age of 30.

“More people are dying from diabetes, heart attack and hypertension as compared to car accidents and dengue,” he said.

Malaysian Medical Association president Dr Ravindran Naidu said high cholesterol could be a result of many causes such as genetics, diet, other diseases, drugs and inactivity.

“For diet, deep-fried foods and saturated fats are the biggest culprits. These involve all dishes, not just mamak restaurants,” he said.

Line Clear nasi kandar restaurant operator T. Abdul Latiff said Penang was a food haven where nasi kandar was a main attraction for both locals and tourists.

“The tourists are here to eat and 24-hour outlets are also a place for gatherings among the locals.

“Even if it is to be enforced, the closing time should be 1am,” he added.

Operator of the famous Nasi Kandar Beratur is also against the proposed move.

Ajmir Liyaqat Ali, who is the third generation owner of the business, which started in the 1940s, said the implementation would destroy the tourism industry.

“For health concerns, focus should be on balanced lifestyle and discipline as those who have health problems should limit their intake accordingly.

“Late-night eateries mushroomed here because many find it more economical eating out than cooking at home,” Ajmir claimed.

College students Matthew Mah, 20, Lee Zi Ting, 19, and Bob Tan, 19, were also against the suggestion, saying it would reduce many cheap alternatives for a meal.