SENATE The Health Ministry is planning on imposing tax on sugar-sweetened beverages which are imported or produced in factories, in its efforts to reduce the rate of diabetes in the country.

Deputy Health Minister Dr Hilmi Yahaya said this was one of the strategies identified to control non-contagious diseases related to food.

"However, the proposal to impose tax is subject to approval by the Finance Ministry," he said during the question and session session at the Dewan Negara today.

This was in reply to Senator Abdul Rahim Abdul Rahman, who wanted to know of the government's proposal to implement 'sugar tax', similar to the one implemented in Britain.

Hilmi said the proposal was also included in the government's National Plan of Action on Nutrition III and policy options for the years 2016-2025, to address the problem of obesity.

Hilmi said the ministry also held the Young Doctor's programme for students in primary and secondary schools as well as universities, which emphasise healthy eating and hygiene.  

He said about 3,000 primary schools, 100 secondary schools, and seven universities were involved in the programme.

"At school, there is a healthy menu programme, and canteens are prohibited from selling non-nutritious foods, including those situated within 40 metres of the school's premises," he said.

- Bernama