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 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.
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.
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.
“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.
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