Ask for less sugar in drinks, public urged

IPOH: The public are encouraged to ask for less sugar in drinks instead of artificial sweeteners, says Deputy Health Minister Dr Lee Boon Chye.

He said if the public opted for artificial sweeteners, they must ensure that the brand has the ministry’s approval.

“Drinks with less sugar still contain sugar. The taste will be different but in a long run, they will get used to the taste.

Dr Lee, who was launching a blood donation campaign at the Batu Gajah community centre said he hoped the public would understand the rationale behind the soda tax and support it.

“This is one of the many measures we plan to take to encourage the public to reduce their sugar intake,” he explained.