KUALA LUMPUR: The rising prices of goods may force some parents to choose cheaper food alternatives with less nutrition, Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang told the Dewan Rakyat today.
"I am concerned about the rising prices of goods, for example, rice and nutritious food, as it may force parents to choose cheaper food.
"The situation may also cause pregnant women to skimp on nutritious food for their babies, which will increase the risk of babies having stunted growth."
Lukanisman said this in his response to a supplementary question from Datuk Alias Razak (Perikatan Nasional-Kuala Nerus).
Alias asked about efforts taken by the government to address stunted growth among children.
Lukanisman said stunted growth had a huge impact as children would be more vulnerable to diseases such as obesity.
"It affects children's productivity, which will hamper the country's productivity in the future."
He said that in the past five years, 29.7 per children in childcare centres had experienced stunted growth.
Earlier, he said stunted growth was not affecting only B40 households.
"The government seeks to provide nutritious food for all children.
"However, this depends on the ability of the government. This has affected children's growth, and not only among B40 households.
"Based on records for the past five years, Kelantan reported the highest number of stunted growth (among children) and Putrajaya is also on the list.
"Putrajaya's population, which includes the educated group, take the shortcut due to their busy schedule, so their food selection leans towards fast food."
Citing a Chinese national-type primary school (SJKC) in Johor, he said the school had a community collaboration.
"Some of the parents there, who have free time, prepare food for the teachers and children so that the food is of good quality and nutritious.
"This way is better than if we depended on the Supplementary Food Programme, in which some operators give sausages in their meals."
