THE problem of malnutrition among the nation’s 5.6 million school children will be addressed immediately, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said today.

He added that a memorandum would be forwarded to the cabinet to co-ordinate efforts to address the issue because input from a number of ministers would be required.

“Nutrition funding for primary and lower secondary schools will be roughly RM800 million, but we also need to take into account the nutrition for children at nurseries or kindergartens,” he said in Kuala Lumpur today.

Zahid said that one of the approaches is to co-ordinate balanced food intake according to advice from the Ministry of Health.

“Children’s growth depends on the nutrition given in accordance with the specified standards,” he said.

Zahid said the issue of malnutrition needs to be addressed to prevent associated effects, such as stunting and obesity.

Also discussed at the meeting was the issue of nursery and care centre registration, as well as the homeless.

He added that several approaches have been taken to co-ordinate the issue of registration, curriculum and syllabus, and standards for day care centres and nurseries, which would involve local authorities and – in some cases – the Islamic councils and departments. – Bernama, March 16, 2023.