This not-so-sweet news certainly is devastating to those who have a sweet tooth.
Starting 1st July 2019, the Malaysian government will be imposing “sugar tax” on sweetened ready-to-drink beverages.
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We know what’s on your mind: “What happens to my weekly boba fix?!”. Before you go all cray cray thinking the world is coming to an end, here are 6 facts you need to know about the recent sugar tax that has been imposed in Malaysia:
1. To promote a healthier lifestyle
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This initiative by the government is actually part of its effort to reduce obesity in Malaysia. Especially when the alarming news that came out about Malaysia being Asia’s Fattest Country, it has become an even greater push to implement the sugar tax. This is no surprise as we are living the land where food are abundant and where “live to eat” becomes the motto for most Malaysians.
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However, the sugar tax that was first announced last year by Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng has gained mixed reactions from manufacturers and business owners, mentioning that it would not make much of a difference because the’ impact isn’t “large enough”.
2. Time to cut back on soft drinks
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The sugar tax will only be imposed on ready-to-drink beverages, which includes carbonated, flavoured, non-alcoholic and sweetened drinks. 40 cents per litre will be taxed on drinks containing more than 12g of sugar per 100ml or sugar-based sweetener per 100ml.
Sounds complicated? Don’t worry, you won’t be needing to check through the ingredient list frantically the next time you go grocery shopping and test your math skills because the sugar tax will only affect manufacturers for the time being.
3. The tax also applies on juices and vegetable-based drinks
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The same also applies to ready-to-drink juices and vegetable drinks that contain more than 12g of sugar per 100ml.
4. Manufacturers are given a two-month transition period
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Businesses, manufacturers, and warehouses of sugary beverages will be given a two-month transition period from 1st July till 31st August to implement the sugar tax. A guideline from the government is also available online here to help businesses in the transition period.
5. All for a good cause
The government is said to use the revenue collected to kick-start free and healthy breakfast programs for students. Another point that was emphasized by the government was that manufactures will be finding ingredients to replace sugar, making the government not profiting from the tax.
6. 12 other countries are also said to have imposed a similar tax
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Malaysia isn’t alone to implement the sugar tax! 12 other countries, namely, the U.S (certain cities), the UK, France, Mexico, Norway, Portugal, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Thailand, Brunei, and the Philippines have also implemented similar taxes.
What are your thoughts on the sugar tax that has been imposed in Malaysia? Leave a comment below!
Header image credits: Reputation Tempe | Patricia Yeo | DEENAMIK .COM
