Announced on 23 September via MOE’s official Facebook page, the decision was made in collaboration with the Nutrition Division of the Ministry of Health (MOH). The initiative seeks to promote better physical growth and development by reducing access to foods that are high in fat, sugar, or artificial additives.
Among the banned items are popular choices such as nuggets, instant noodles, potato chips, and carbonated drinks. The full list includes:
- Processed snacks like fries, burgers, sausages, nuggets, fishballs, and meatballs (when sold individually)
- Junk food such as potato chips and prawn crackers
- Sweets and chocolates
- Pickled foods
- Creamy or sugar-coated items
- Instant noodles and soups, including their flavouring packets
- Confectionery and ice cream
- Drinks containing added toppings, flavoured syrups, premixes, creamers, or whipped cream
- Carbonated, energy, isotonic, and herbal drinks
- Tea and coffee (restricted to teachers only)
- Any food or beverage containing alcohol
- Expired products or food resembling toys
According to the MOE, this measure is not solely about banning certain foods but also about reshaping students’ dietary habits. By limiting access to processed and sugary products, the ministry hopes to instil long-term awareness of healthy eating.
This initiative also aligns with the national goal of reducing childhood obesity and preventing lifestyle-related health conditions, which continue to pose challenges in Malaysia.
Source : Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia
Image Credit : Babab.Net