By Sheeda Fathil
SHAH ALAM, June 28 — The state government will distribute nutritional food packs to 720 eligible children through the Selangor Child Nutrition Programme (Asas) programme, said the Selangor Public Health Advisory Council (Selphac).
Committee member Dr Mohammad Farhan Rusli said the packs will be distributed for five consecutive months to children between one to six years of age.
“This programme was implemented last year and Alhamdulillah it was very well-received, so we decided to continue it this year.
"A total of RM1 million has been allocated for this programme to address children's weight and height issues, as well ensuring it serves as food security for them," he told SelangorKini.
Dr Mohammad Farhan said that based on the national-level data, three out of 10 children in Malaysia face stunted growth, which necessitates immediate preventive measures.
“Therefore during the Selangor Penyayang roadshow, we also held a screening and consultation session to identify children with this problem. If they are eligible, they can receive the nutritional food pack.
"However, we advise parents to take the problem of stunted growth seriously and also provide fruits and vegetables to support their children's growth," he said.
Through Asas, eligible children will receive nutritional food packs containing full cream milk powder, cracker biscuits, cereals and multivitamins to help with calcium absorption and strengthen their bones.
