Santiago calls for universal school meals plan in Budget 2027

KUALA LUMPUR: Former Klang MP Charles Santiago has urged the Malaysian government to implement a nationwide school meal program in the 2027 budget to address the pressing issue of child malnutrition. According to data from Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, 23.4% of children under five in Kuala Lumpur suffer from stunting, while 12.4% are underweight, 8.1% are wasted, and 7.5% are overweight.

This amounts to a combined 51.4% of children affected, indicating a serious crisis even in Malaysia's most developed city, rather than a minor concern.

Santiago highlighted the long-term impact of stunting, which can permanently impair brain development, learning abilities, health, and future earning potential. He pointed out that the situation was worsening, with national under-5 stunting rates increasing from 11.3% in 2011 to 20.7% in 2016. Unicef estimates that 22% of children nationwide are affected by stunting, with nearly a quarter of Kuala Lumpur children also affected.

The former MP stressed that child malnutrition should be treated as a cost-of-living issue, as rising household expenses often force families to cut back on essential nutrients. Santiago cited World Food Programme estimates that each dollar invested in school meals generates between seven and thirty-five dollars in economic returns through improved health, increased future productivity, and stronger local food economies.

He emphasized that no Malaysian child should be denied healthy growth due to unaffordable nutritionally balanced meals.