MyWASSH champions salt, sugar reduction efforts in Malaysia

A new society called Malaysian Society for World Action on Salt, Sugar and Health (MyWASSH) has recently been set up. The official launch is set to happen early in March 2022. MyWASSH is endorsed by the World Hypertension League (WHL) and International Society of Hypertension, and also an associate member of the WHL.

MIMS Doctor spoke to Professor Datin Dr Chia Yook Chin, one of the founders of MyWASSH to get a better understanding of the society and its aspirations in the near future. Chia is also the president of  MyWASSH.

Q: Why is there a need for a society such as MyWASSH?

A: Salt intake in Malaysia is very high. (The average sodium intake of Malaysian adults is 3167 mg/day, which is way above the 2000/day recommendation set by WHO. [J Health Popul Nutr 2021;40:23]) Education of the public, food manufacturers, food vendors, restaurateurs, and school children is important to get everyone to lower their salt and sugar intake to reduce blood pressure and obesity rates. Obesity may lead to diabetes, both of which are very common in Malaysia.

Q: What are the objectives of this society?

A: The four main objectives are:
1.            to promote salt and sugar reduction for better health.

2.            to provide education on salt, sugar intake and health.

3.            to work together with other professional societies, communities, policy makers, food industry and other stakeholders to strengthen salt and sugar reduction.

4.            to build capacity by providing training on salt- and sugar-related research for young and budding researchers.

Q: What are the services, if any, offered by this society to the general public?

A: The society will provide educational materials on the effects of salt and sugar on health. It will also provide a comprehensive list of foods with salt, sugar, and calories, to help the public make healthier choices.

Q: What can Malaysians expect from the society in the future?

A: The society will be organizing public educational talks (either live or virtual) on salt and sugar for health. They will also be releasing a series of videos on how to cook and eat healthily. In the plans are videos to teach the public on how to read and understand food labels, and blood pressure and glucose screening campaigns. 

Q:   How does the society plan to involve GPs in achieving their objective?

A: The society will be holding educational talks for GPs throughout the country over the next few years. They will also be providing GPs with educational materials/ pamphlets (and/or links with QR codes) about reduction of salt and sugar for health which they can share with their patients. Furthermore, we will provide training to GPs on how to give educational talks about salt and sugar for health in their local community and schools, and to motivate the public to reduce their salt and sugar intake.

The society’s website can be accessed at