---
title: "M’sian Eateries Urged To Provide Free Drinking Water To Curb Sugar Consumption"
url: https://weirdkaya.com/free-drinking-water-at-eateries/
date: 2026-07-02
modified: 2026-07-02
lang: en
author: "Sarah Yeoh"
description: "While Malaysia is widely known for its mouthwatering cuisine, its citizens are paying the price in the form of life-threatening diseases caused by obesity. In light of this, a health..."
categories:
  - "Society"
tags:
  - "eateries"
  - "free drinking water"
  - "Malaysia"
image: https://cdn.weirdkaya.com/media/202607-wk-Free-water-at-eateries-cover-image-3054.jpg
word_count: 386
---

# M’sian Eateries Urged To Provide Free Drinking Water To Curb Sugar Consumption

## TL: DR

- **Galen Centre Urges:** The Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy CEO Azrul Khalib calls on the Malaysian government to mandate free drinking water at licensed eateries.
- **NHMS 2023 Statistics:** The National Health and Morbidity Survey 2023 shows one in five Malaysian adults have diabetes and over half are overweight or obese.
- **Global Examples Cited:** Azrul Khalib points to Spain, the UK, India, and parts of Australia while urging ministries to implement the rule through licensing conditions.

##### While Malaysia is widely known for its mouthwatering cuisine, its citizens are paying the price in the form of life-threatening diseases caused by obesity.

In light of this, a health think tank is calling on the government to make it compulsory for licensed eateries to make free drinking water available as a way to encourage healthier choices and reduce sugar consumption.

## Free water for all

In a [statement](https://codeblue.galencentre.org/2026/07/make-free-drinking-water-mandatory-in-restaurants-and-food-premises/) by the Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy's CEO Azrul Khalib, he said restaurants, cafes, food courts, mamaks, fast-food outlets, and other licensed eateries must be compelled to provide free drinking water either through legislation or business licensing conditions.

![Mamak in Malaysia](https://cdn.weirdkaya.com/media/Mamak-in-Malaysia-1.jpg)Photo via [CNA](https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/malaysia-mamak-eateries-hours-obesity-4307891)

> **Access to free drinking water should not depend on whether a customer is willing or able to buy bottled water, a sweetened drink, or a hot beverage.**

"In a country facing a worsening obesity and non-communicable disease (NCDs) crisis, plain drinking water must be made the easiest, most accessible and most affordable choice," he said.

Azrul added that when free drinking water isn't available or is expensive, customers will opt for drinks that are loaded in sugar and calories.

##### He said this poses a huge health risk for children, adolescents, low-income families, and those who eat out regularly.

![teh tarik mamak](https://cdn.weirdkaya.com/media/teh-tarik-mamak-1.jpg)Photo by WeirdKaya

## Worrying statistics

According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023, one in five adults do not drink enough plain water daily, one in five are living with diabetes, while more than half of Malaysian adults are overweight or obese.

Azrul cited several countries who have made it compulsory for eateries to provide free drinking water, such as Spain, the UK, parts of Australia, and India.

##### "A requirement for free drinking water would not solve the problem of NCDs. However, it is an important baseline measure. It sends a clear public health signal that water is the default beverage, not an optional extra.

![mynews ice mountain mineral water](https://cdn.weirdkaya.com/media/mynews-ice-mountain-mineral-water-1.jpg)Photo by WeirdKaya

"Customers should not have to pay extra just to choose the healthiest drink. Making free drinking water available in restaurants is one of the simplest public health interventions we can implement."

Azrul also urged various ministries to work together in introducing the requirement through legislation, licensing conditions, or food establishment regulations.

*What do you think of this proposal? Share with us in the comments!*

**READ [ALSO](https://weirdkaya.com/50-of-civil-servants-in-putrajaya-are-obese/):**

https://weirdkaya.com/50-of-civil-servants-in-putrajaya-are-obese/

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