LATE nights at the office and a lack of knowledge on nutrition were among reasons why most Putrajaya parents neglected their children’s diets according to a street poll in the administrative capital. 

Six out of 10 families told The Malaysian Insight that they depended on nurseries and kindergartens to feed their kids well as they did not have the time to make packed meals.

These findings dovetailed with the 2016 National Health and Morbidity survey that found that 28% of children aged between 23 months to 12 years in Putrajaya were stunted due to chronic malnutrition. 

Father of three, Zulkifli Abdul Jalil, 32, said his late nights at the office often led to him buy dinner for his kids from restaurants. 

“Among the factors that contribute (to malnutrition among kids) in Putrajaya are junk food and instant meals bought by busy parents,” he said when met.  

“I agree, I do not really monitor what my kids eat. Sometimes, I come home late from work. When we buy outside food, we don’t know what ingredients were used. 

“Before I send my children to school in the morning, I sometimes pack fried rice for them and buy them snacks as well,” said the civil servant. 

The national health report said the situation in Putrajaya was worrying as the rate of stunted growth is 2% away from being classified as a health emergency by the World Health Organisation (WHO). 

Only two of the six families who did not pack food for their kids agreed to be identified. Those who wanted to remain anonymous also said they did not do so due to time constraints.

The remaining four families packed meals such as breakfast and lunch.

Anisah Kamarulzaman, 31, also depended on her son’s nursery to feed him well.

For breakfast, she prepares toast and biscuits, along with milk for her 18-month-old son.

She depends on the food provided by the nursery for the rest of the meals.  

“In the morning, before I’m off to work, I will make sure my son drinks a bottle of milk. But other food (he will have) at the nursery. What I know is that he usually has porridge at the nursery in the morning.

“By noon they (the nursery) will provide lunch. Sometimes they give rice, vegetables and soup. But I’m not sure if there is variety (in their meals) because the nursery does not provide a menu,” added the civil servant.

Haslinda Latip has to prepare the meals for her three children because they all have allergies.

“All my kids suffer from severe eczema. I cook every morning. I have to wake up slightly early. Sometimes I make pasta, nasi lemak or fried rice,” said the 38-year-old.

“Moreover, nurseries usually make simple meals. Cost of items are high as well, so I understand if they want to save. Therefore, for a healthy meal, I will make food for them (her children),” she told The Malaysian Insight.

However, she admitted that it’s not easy to prepare meals early in the morning.

“My husband works at home so his time is more flexible. (He) helps as well. As for me, I go to work early in the morning and when I reach home in the evening, I’ll be busy preparing dinner.

“Yes it is definitely tiring, but I have to ensure that the menu for dinner comprises of at least three dishes,” she said adding that she has to endure traffic jams to get home from Putrajaya after work.  

Depending on daycare

A manager of Taska Vonad, a day centre chain with four branches in Putrajaya, said caregivers and parents had to work together to ensure children received healthy meals.

Its executive officer, Omar Yusof, said parents had to monitor the menus at nurseries and ensure that these centres were properly licenced and registered.

Nursery operators should also have attended the government’s Asuhan Permata training course. 

“I’m aware that many nurseries in Putrajaya are not licensed, especially those operating in homes. Parents should be aware of this.” 

“Food is important, there should be three meal in their schedule – in the morning, afternoon and evening. They should also have a standard menu.” He said parents should also train their children to be more disciplined while eating so that they could adapt to having meals in nurseries. 

“At home, parents have to discipline their children to have meals at the dining table. Sometimes, when children are often spoon-fed and not disciplined, they will eat less at nurseries,” he added.

Omar was appointed by the government to conduct Asuhan Permata courses, which are compulsory for nursery operators before they register under the Welfare Department.

The 28-day course has subjects on menu planning and balanced diets for nursery operators. – December 25, 2017.