The Health Ministry is launching a “war on salt” to slash Malaysians’ salt intake, says minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.

Cutting salt can save lives by reducing chronic disease rates, he said in Putrajaya today after delivering his ministry mandate for this year. 

“Every RM1 spent (on reducing salt) saves RM60 in healthcare costs,” Dzulkefly said as reported by Bernama. 

The campaign is still in the planning stage, with the Nutrition and Public Health divisions leading efforts.

This follows the ministry’s past “war” campaigns on sugar and tobacco.

A WHO report shows 1.89 million people die annually due to high sodium intake.

Reducing salt is among the cheapest ways to improve health, the report added. – January 3, 2025