Experts call for stronger SSB tax measures to curb sugar consumption

By SHYAFIQ DZULKIFLI

 
PETALING JAYA: Various strategies and policy enhancements could be implemented to strengthen the current sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) tax framework, say experts.
 

Consultant dietitian Ng Kar Foo said the 50 sen per litre SSB tax has had a mixed impact on consumer behavior and reformulation of sweetened beverage products by manufacturers.
 

“On one hand, the sugar tax has encouraged several beverage manufacturers to reformulate their products by lowering sugar content to avoid the tax.
 

“This has resulted in a broader range of lower-sugar or sugar-free drinks being available in the market, which is a positive step towards reducing sugar consumption,” Ng said.
 

However, he noted that the impact on consumer behavior has been less significant.
 

“While some consumers are more mindful of their choices, price sensitivity varies.
 

“For some, the 50 sens increase per litre is not a strong enough deterrent to significantly reduce sugary drink consumption," he added.
 

When asked about the suggestion to expand the coverage of the sugar tax to include more items, Ng said that the expansion would offer more benefits.
 

“Broadening the tax to include a wider range of sugary beverages and even foods high in sugar would greatly enhance Malaysia’s efforts to reduce sugar consumption and improve public health," he said.
 

Ng added that apart from the expansion of sugar tax coverage, another strategy that can be considered is to tighten the sugar limit or threshold in the beverages before they can be taxed.
 

“Reducing the threshold for milk-based drinks from 7 grams per 100ml to 5 grams per 100ml, for example, would expand the range of taxable products.
 

“This approach also will provide stronger incentives for both manufacturers and consumers to cut down on sugar," he explained.
 

"This adjustment would help Malaysia align more closely with global best practices and strengthen its efforts to combat rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and other sugar-related health conditions and create a bigger impact for public health improvement,” he said.
 

Center for Market Education CEO Carmelo Ferlito, in his Harm Reduction, Healthcare Savings and Economic Growth: A Strategy for Malaysia report, suggested a different way of taxing sugary drinks.
 

“A different approach would be to apply varying taxes based on the amount of sugar in a product.
 

"Instead of charging the same tax on all sugary drinks, the idea is to tax drinks based on how much sugar they actually contain.
 

“The more sugar a drink has, the higher the tax would be,” Carmelo said.
 

For instance, in the United Kingdom, manufacturers of soft drinks with more than 5 grams of sugar per 100ml are subjected to a levy of ₤0.18 a litre, while those exceeding 8g per 100ml incurred ₤0.24 a litre for sugar content.
 

“This approach is meant to help reduce harm from sugar by encouraging people to choose drinks with less sugar, and it would push companies to make drinks with lower sugar content to avoid higher taxes.
 

“A recent study showed that people in United Kingdom bought the same amount of soft drinks, but the drinks had 29.5 grams less sugar, which is about a 10% drop in sugar per household each week.
 

“Beverage manufacturers reduced the sugar in their products to pay less tax to the government,” said Carmelo who is also a Faculty Member at Universitas Prasetiya Mulya.
 

Ng noted that complementary measures like public health education campaigns can solidify behaviour change at the consumer level.
 

“A comprehensive approach is needed. Not just policies but also individual lifestyle changes.
 

“Public awareness like minimizing processed foods consumption, staying hydrated with no-or-low-sugar drinks, and maintaining an active lifestyle can create an environment that supports these healthier choices for everyone,” he said.