What is the target for Malaysian salt intake by 2025?

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The 2025 target for Malaysian salt intake is to reduce consumption towards the recommended limit of less than 5.0 grammes per day, with specific quantitative targets yet to be fully detailed.

The Salt Reduction Strategy 2021-2025 aims to lower the current average daily salt intake of 7.9 grammes among Malaysians, which significantly exceeds the World Health Organisation's recommendation of less than 5.0 grammes per day. This initiative is a key public health measure to combat non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly hypertension, with a 2019 survey indicating that 30 per cent of Malaysian adults suffer from this condition.
Reduction Towards Recommended Daily Limit

The strategy's overarching goal is to bring down the average salt intake from the 7.9 grammes recorded in 2019 to align with the recommended less than 5.0 grammes per day. While a precise numerical target for 2025 is not explicitly stated, the emphasis is on achieving a substantial reduction in consumption. This aligns with the broader public health objective of preventing NCDs, for which reduced salt intake is considered a cost-effective early intervention.
Industry Collaboration and Product Reformulation

A significant component of the strategy involves engaging the food and beverage industry to reformulate products with reduced and healthier salt content. The Ministry of Health, in partnership with organisations like the World Health Organisation and Mardi, is conducting the "Resolve Project" to study salt reduction in soy sauce, with several companies already committing to participate. This collaborative approach encourages proactive reformulation of high-salt products.
Potential for Mandatory Limits

Beyond voluntary industry action, the Ministry of Health is considering more stringent measures. These include introducing a mandatory maximum limit for salt content in specific food products through amendments to the Food Act 1983. This legislative action is anticipated to be completed before 2025, providing a regulatory framework to support the salt reduction efforts.
Awareness and NCD Prevention Focus

The strategy is also designed to increase public awareness regarding the impact of salt intake on health and the prevention of NCDs. High salt consumption is directly linked to hypertension, which affects approximately 6.4 million Malaysian adults, as per the 2019 National Health and Morbidity Survey. By raising awareness and implementing initiatives under the Monitoring, Awareness, and Product (MAP) framework, the strategy seeks to foster healthier lifestyle and eating habits across the nation.

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What is the target for Malaysian salt intake by 2025?

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