KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia - Malaysia will ban fast food advertisements during children's television shows, an official announced Friday, saying poor eating habits are causing a rise in dangerous diseases.
"The decision was made because the cabinet feels it is its responsibility to see that children below 12 years of age are instilled with good eating habits," Health Minister Chua Soi Lek was quoted as saying by the national news agency, Bernama.
Fast food restaurants will also be required to label their products with calorie and nutritional charts, Chua said in the report, adding that companies will be given a "suitable" period of time to start the labeling.
Chua's aide did not immediately answer phone calls. Other ministry officials said they could not confirm the report.
The ban excludes newspapers and magazines because authorities believe TV reaches more children, Chua was quoted as saying.
It was not immediately clear when the ban will be enforced. In the report, Chua indicated it might not take immediate effect because some fast food companies already have advertising contracts with TV stations, and they must be allowed to expire first.
Chua said the ban is necessary due to increased obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and kidney problems, Bernama reported.
"As such, parents are urged to co-operate by educating their children on the importance of a balanced diet which includes complex carbohydrates, more fruits and vegetables and less fat and sugar," he said in the report, adding that fast food companies should also monitor their products' nutritional content to help promote health.
Fast food restaurants such as McDonald's, KFC and Pizza Hut are common in Malaysia.
Officials from those companies have held talks with the government on the planned ban in recent months, and some have said the industry is unlikely to suffer a severe financial impact as long as a total advertising ban is not enforced.
