Sugar intake among Malaysians is above World Health Organization recommendations, revealed the figures released by the Health Ministry yesterday. About 60% of the people residing in Malaysia who are above 18 years of age are overweight. Sugar consumption has increased in Malaysia over the past five years.

He launched a "reduce sugar consumption" campaign with the theme "Stop at one! Less is better". He said, "But we take 10 teaspoons of sugar in our drinks a day, not including the kuih and desserts. To burn off even one teaspoon of sugar, a person needs to climb a 14-storey building".

Sugar lacks any kind of nutritional value and contains only calories and gives birth to health problems like hypertension, diabetes and cancer.

About 30% of the children are obese for the reason that they consume more of sugary eatables, resulting in tooth decay.

The campaign which began yesterday will go on for six months, aiming at bringing awareness among Malaysians about reducing consumption of sugar in their food and drinks. The school children will also be informed of the dangers of sweetened food, desserts and drinks.