Malaysia’s health ministry struggles with child malnutrition interventions as parents skip routine clinic check-ups, affecting screening and food aid distribution
KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Health faces significant challenges in effectively combating child malnutrition due to low screening rates at clinics.
Deputy Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni said intervention success depends heavily on screening participation and food basket distribution.
“The problem is that fewer children are being screened,” he told Parliament on Thursday.
“This makes it difficult for us to provide guidance to parents and to distribute food baskets.”
Lukanisman confirmed MOH currently lacks a dedicated healthy food programme for children under three years old.
He said the ministry would consider introducing such programmes based on need and available resources.
Current initiatives include the Community Feeding Programme for Orang Asli and PPR children.
The Milk Assistance Programme also supports children aged six months to six years from low-income families at risk of nutrient deficiencies.
MOH will enhance existing programmes through strengthened NGO collaboration.
Nutrition literacy programmes will expand within communities to raise healthy eating awareness.
The ministry remains committed to improving child nutrition outcomes despite current challenges. – Bernama
