A NON-GOVERNMENTAL organisation has supported the move by some eateries to shorten operating hours, claiming that late-night meals cause negative effects such as weight gain, sleep disorders and digestive issues.

The Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) said limited access to late-night eating will be healthier for Malaysians.

“Presently, Malaysians are unhealthy as we have the highest prevalence of obesity among adults in Southeast Asia. In the 2019 National Health and Morbidity Survey, 50.1% of our adult population were reported to be overweight (30.4%) or obese (19.7%).

“Compared with normal-weight individuals, obesity increases the risks of type 2 diabetes by seven-fold in men and a 12-fold increase in women. A local study found that 30% of our type 2 diabetes patients were clinically obese,” CAP president Mohideen Abdul Kader said in a statement on Facebook.

He said obesity is a risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. 

“Given the situation and the high number of Malaysians affected, it was revealed that RM9.65 billion was spent annually to deal with (NCDs) in the country.

“Though shortening the operating hours for eateries would not completely solve the obesity issue in Malaysia, it would help reduce late-night eating among Malaysians. 

“This, in turn, has the potential to foster healthier eating habits and promote better sleeping habits,” he said.

Research has shown that individuals who eat late at night exceed 40% of their daily energy requirements which poses a significant risk factor for obesity, said Mohideen. 

He said unhealthy eating habits, paired with unbalanced nutrition which consists of food high in fat and salt content (typical of Malaysian food) during post-dinner snacks, were linked with the risk of cardiovascular disease.

He said the widespread availability of food and drink around the clock significantly affects oral health. 

“The easy access to sugary snacks and drinks delivered at any time poses an ongoing threat to the dental enamel which greatly increases the risk of cavities and infections.

“According to the National Oral Health Survey, it was found that 94.6% of Malaysian adults need some form of dental treatment, with tooth decay being a top problem. Six in 10 adults require care due to tooth decay, based on the survey conducted in 2022,” he added.

Additionally, the health consequences are worsened by nutritional imbalances resulting from the consumption of processed and fast foods. The British Dental Journal (BDJ) emphasises the link between poor nutrition and weakened immune response, making individuals more susceptible to numerous oral infections and gum diseases.

To address obesity, Mohideen said the government should make bold steps in withdrawing unhealthy foods and raising taxes on all types of sweetened drinks and food besides coming up with incentives and a long-term plan.

“Given the situation, the CAP calls on the authorities to repeal the 24-hour operating licence given to eateries.

“The government should be more serious in controlling the environment that encourages obesity, by mandating that all food outlets be closed by midnight rather than be allowed to operate 24 hours a day,” he added. – The Vibes, April 23, 2024