RTM To Air Programmes To Enlighten Public On Fast Foods

KEMAMAN, Feb 26 (Bernama) -- Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) will air programmes to enlighten the public on fast foods through its Debat Perdana and current affairs slots on its TV1 channel.
Information Minister Datuk Seri Zainuddin Maidin said this was necessary as the media was the best platform to increase people's awareness on the health aspects of fast foods.
"RTM wants to take the initiative in this and will invite fast food operators, advertisers, doctors and others to discuss this issue," he said.
He said this to reporters after opening the national-level Quran recital assembly at the Kampung Meraga Mosque in Kijal near here Sunday night.
Also present were State Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Datuk Ahmad Said and Foreign Ministry Parliamentary Secretary Ahmad Shabery Cheek.
Zainuddin said RTM could not immediately stop showing fastfood advertisements on its television channels because it was bound by contracts worth RM11 million.
He said that the discussion on the issue had already started on the RTM1 channel through the Selamat Pagi Malaysia talk show and after the Warta Perdana news bulletin.
"The discussions will dwell on the pros and cons relating to the issue because it involves many matters, including employment opportunities, trends and so on,' he said.
Earlier in his speech, Zainuddin called on Muslims not to be easily influenced by groups considered as outdated in their actions to that extent that they accused what other people did as unIslamic.
He said these groups held demonstrations when the government organised entertainment programmes but it was okay if they did so.