GEORGE TOWN: THERE are about three million obese Malaysians and the number is increasing, said Deputy Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya.
Also, about five million people have varying degrees of diabetes, he added.
"Malaysia is not only the country in Southeast Asia with the most number of fat people, we also have the dubious distinction of having the highest number of diabetics in the region.
"All these statistics are based on reported cases, but we still have many undetected ones," he said after opening the national gathering of pharmacy students 2013 Universiti Sains Malaysia community outreach programme at the Mutiara Idaman flats in Jelutong here yesterday.
He was commenting on the New Straits Times front-page report on Monday highlighting the rise of obesity among schoolchildren.
He agreed with the NST findings, which blamed environmental factors for obese kids.
"We need to change and improve our lifestyle. I strongly believe it begins at home and parents must take the lead to set a good example on good eating and healthy habits.
"The government never ceases to take steps to ensure the people stay safe and healthy but at the end of the day, it is still up to the individuals to decide if they want to be healthy or expose themselves to life-threatening illnesses."
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