According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2019, 1 in 5 Malaysians suffer from anaemia and 3 in 10 females aged 15 to 49 years suffer from anaemia. In response to this, the Ministry of Health has decided to mandate the addition of iron and folic acid to flour to reduce cases of neural tube defects and anaemia.
This decision by the Ministry of Health is in line with the World Health Organisation’s recommendation of 6 mg of iron and 260 mg of folic acid per 100 g of flour.
The mandatory inclusion of iron and folic acid in flour will also indirectly improve the nutrition of flour products such as bread, noodles, paneer and pastries, thereby allowing Malaysians to have greater access to nutritious food from the market.
The Ministry of Health will further discuss with the relevant stakeholders to ensure that this measure does not increase the burden on the people in terms of price while providing health benefits. The Ministry of Health will also amend the Food Regulations 1985 to implement this fortification initiative.
