Nearly 11pct of screened Kelantan toddlers found stunted

Nearly 11 percent of 3-year-old toddlers screened in Kelantan have been found to be stunted or underweight, according to a health department report. The screenings, conducted across 10 districts, revealed that 9.8 percent of the children were underweight, while 10.9 percent were stunted. Additionally, 0.3 percent had not received all necessary immunisations, and 9.6 percent had not undergone exclusive breastfeeding.

Kelantan Health Department director Dr Kasuadi Hussin launched the 2026 state-level Wellness Month carnival and Children's Health Day celebration to highlight the program's aim to identify and address the extent of incomplete immunisation and stunting among young children. Dr Kasuadi explained that factors contributing to being underweight could include insufficient food intake, calorie deficiency, and unhealthy dietary habits like excessive junk food consumption.

Stunting, on the other hand, could be influenced by genetics, nutrition, and socioeconomic background, particularly affecting the Orang Asli community. He emphasized the importance of identifying root causes to provide appropriate interventions and encouraged parents to take their children for regular health check-ups at nearby clinics until they were six or seven years old. Early detection through screenings allows for timely action to address health issues.