Teaching Young Children What Makes Food Healthy

A Unity Healthy Menu (Menu Sihat Perpaduan) programme was held simultaneously in all Perpaduan Kindergartens and Genius Perpaduan Nurseries across the nation by the Ministry of National Unity’s National Unity and Integration division. 

A total of 36,874 students from 1,781 Unity Kindergartens and 980 kids from 41 Unity Genius Nurseries took part in the programme.

The programme, which was inaugurated by Dato’ Haji Che Roslan bin Che Daud, Director General of the Department of National Unity and Integration, aims to increase the knowledge and understanding of children, parents and the community about the importance of practising a healthy diet in everyday life.

“In addition, it can also increase awareness among parents and the community regarding the preparation of a healthy, nutritious menu as well as the practise of a healthy lifestyle and eating culture,” a statement released by the Ministry said. 

Several activities have been developed to ensure that healthy eating practises can be implemented for children in order to reduce the four (4) consequences of childhood malnutrition, which include underweight, stunting, and overweight or obesity.

Teachers, assistant teachers, educators, assistant educators, parents, the Coordinating Committee of Taska Genius Perpaduan and Tabika Perpaduan, as well as the local community, work together with the State Health Department to coordinate this initiative. 

This programme was said to also support the Healthy Malaysia National Agenda (ANMS), a government initiative led by the Ministry of Health Malaysia (KKM) with the goal of promoting environmental sustainability and healthy living among Malaysians.

“It is hoped that this programme can be used as a catalyst to improve the quality and practise of eating healthy food, which should be nurtured at home and from the early stages of childhood so that it becomes a lifelong habit.”

“This is important as an encouragement to children to live a balanced life and to further give them early exposure to healthy lifestyle practises and knowledge of balanced food selection.” The statement ends.