Raising a Healthy Generation: Expert Insights on Nutrition, Lifestyle, and Growth in Malaysia

From birth to adolescence, a child’s health sets the stage for lifelong growth and development. As Malaysia observes Children’s Growth Awareness Day, explore how nutrition, active lifestyles, early monitoring, and national initiatives together can help every child thrive in body, mind, and future potential.

WORDS ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR DR CHEE SEOK CHIONG, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR DR NEOH SIEW HONG, AND DR LIM YIN SEAR 

FEATURED EXPERT ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR DR CHEE SEOK CHIONG School of Medicine Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences Taylor’s University

FEATURED EXPERT ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR DR NEOH SIEW HONG School of Medicine Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences Taylor’s University

FEATURED EXPERT DR LIM YIN SEAR School of Medicine Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences Taylor’s University

As Malaysia marks Children’s Growth Awareness Day on 20 September, it is timely to reflect on how nutrition, healthcare, and lifestyle together shape not only a child’s height and weight but also their learning, resilience, and long-term health.

EARLY GROWTH AND LIFELONG IMPACT

During the first 1,000 days, a baby’s brain forms millions of neural connections every second, reaching about 80% of its adult size by age three.

Physical growth also depends on quality nutrition, healthcare, and daily care practices.

Missed opportunities in this critical phase can result in stunted growth, poorer learning outcomes, and higher risks of chronic illnesses later in life.

MALAYSIA’S DOUBLE BURDEN OF MALNUTRITION

Despite economic progress, Malaysia faces a double burden of malnutrition.

Stunting

• Stunting among children under five rose from 16.6% in 2011 to 21.2% in 2022, while underweight prevalence increased from 11.6% to 15.3%.
• Among Orang Asli communities, the situation is even more concerning: 31.9% of children aged 5–10 are underweight, and 29.0% of those aged 5–17 are stunted.

Obesity

At the same time, obesity is on the rise.

• Nearly one in three children and adolescents aged 5–19 are overweight or obese, fueled by reduced physical activity, excessive screen time, and greater access to processed foods.
• Addressing both undernutrition and overnutrition is essential for Malaysia’s health, education, and productivity.

LAYING THE FOUNDATION OF HEALTHY GROWTH

Healthy growth depends on proper nutrition, active lifestyles, and regular health checks.

Good nutrition begins in pregnancy, with mothers encouraged to focus on nutrient quality rather than quantity.

• Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months provides the best start, followed by complementary foods rich in protein, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats.
• Fortified foods, such as vitamin D or iron-enriched cereals, help close nutritional gaps, while limiting processed snacks and sugary drinks prevents poor eating habits from taking root.

Lifestyle habits are equally important.

• Children need at least an hour of outdoor play daily, limited screen time, and consistent sleep routines to support both physical and mental development.
• Regular visits to government health clinics for growth monitoring, immunizations, and developmental screenings ensure timely interventions when needed.

SCHOOLS, COMMUNITIES, AND NATIONAL ACTION

Schools play a key role in shaping health habits.

• The Ministry of Health requires school canteens to follow strict nutrition guidelines, restricting excessive sugar and processed ingredients.
• Coupled with daily physical education, nutrition lessons, and routine growth checks, these measures positively influence children’s well-being.

At the national level, Malaysia is guided by two major policy frameworks:

• The National Plan of Action for Nutrition (NPANM III, 2016–2025)
• The National Strategy to Combat Malnutrition (2023–2030)

These initiatives promote breastfeeding, complementary feeding, food fortification, and public nutrition education while addressing both obesity and undernutrition.

Digital tools further strengthen these initiatives.

• The Growth Journey app, endorsed by the Malaysian Paediatric Association, allows parents to track growth trends and seek care early.
• Meanwhile, the Positive Parenting 360° Toolkit supports holistic monitoring of both growth and developmental milestones.

LEARNING FROM GLOBAL INITIATIVES

South Korea demonstrates the power of sustained national efforts.

• Once plagued by widespread malnutrition, the country introduced school feeding schemes, national nutrition programmes, and strong parental involvement.
• By 2023, South Korean middle school boys were on average 7.4cm taller than a decade earlier, while girls gained 3.3cm — proof that sustained commitment to child health brings measurable change.

Malaysia can adapt similar strategies while preserving its cultural diversity and local food traditions.

IN CONCLUSION

Ensuring every child in Malaysia has the chance to grow, learn, and thrive will take a united effort from families, schools, communities, and policymakers.

By combining balanced diets, healthier lifestyles, early monitoring, and supportive national policies, we can raise a generation that is not only taller and stronger but also healthier, smarter, and better prepared for the future.