When food is abundant, malnutrition may seem like an unlikely problem — yet Malaysia is facing a growing crisis hidden in plain sight.
Malnutrition is often mistaken for a lack of food, but it also occurs when people consume too much of the wrong nutrients, said Dr Lee Ching Li, senior lecturer in nutrition and dietetics at IMU University. It is fundamentally an imbalance — whether a deficiency or an excess.
This imbalance means a person can be overweight or obese and still be malnourished, a reality affecting nearly half of Malaysians.
Findings from the National Health & Morbidity Survey 2024 show that Malaysians consume excessive sugar, salt and fat while falling short on fruits, vegetables and milk — a combination that contributes to obesity, heart disease and stroke.
Dr Lee explains that what matters most is not how much food people eat, but the quality of that food. Nutrient-dense foods provide vitamins, minerals and fibre, while calorie-heavy “empty calorie” foods deliver energy but little nutrition. For Malaysians leading sedentary lifestyles, these unused calories often turn into fat, raising the risk of chronic illness.
She emphasised the need for a balanced plate filled with whole grains, colourful fruits and vegetables, and lean proteins like fish or chicken.
Eating habits form early, Dr Lee added, and children often mirror what they see at home. Poor nutrition during childhood can result in stunting or obesity, both of which carry long-term health consequences. Parents play a key role in shaping those habits.
However, changing how we eat is not easy. Food is tied to emotions, culture and social settings, she noted. Preparing ahead can help Malaysians make healthier choices — such as swapping sugary desserts for fresh fruit, or choosing vegetables, tandoori chicken and naan when dining out instead of calorie- and fat-heavy dishes.
When unsure, Dr Lee recommends returning to the Malaysia Healthy Plate Concept:
- ¼ grains
- ¼ protein
- ½ fruits and vegetables
Small daily changes can create powerful benefits, she said, noting that plant nutrients and antioxidants offer synergistic effects that supplements cannot replicate.
Dr Lee also encouraged Malaysians to seek emotional support from family and friends, explaining that sharing their health goals can make healthier eating more sustainable.
