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Malaysia mulls ban on fast food advertising -report

17 Feb 2007 03:42:01 GMT
Source: Reuters

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 17 (Reuters) - Malaysia's health ministry is considering a ban on fast-food advertisements because the meals they promote are considered "silent killers", the Star newspaper reported on Saturday.

The move would also cover endorsements of events linked to fast food, Health Minister Chua Soi Lek was quoted as saying.

A fast-food "sin tax" was also being considered, he said, adding that the proposal was motivated by the increasing number of Malaysians suffering from diseases of the "affluent" such as diabetes and hypertension.

"We want to send a strong signal to consumers. We do not allow advertising for cigarettes and liquor. Fast food should be treated in the same way as alcohol," he said.

Links between fat-laden fast food and health issues such as obesity were heightened by a 2001 U.S. best-selling book, Fast Food Nation, and a 2004 documentary movie about eating only fast food for a month, "Super Size Me".

Britain announced in November a ban on fast-food advertising during children's television programmes.

Fast-food restaurants such as McDonald's and Burger King are popular among Malaysians.

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Last updated:Sat Feb 17 03:42:39 2007