Malaysia currently stands at a critical juncture, dealing with the threat of its population bearing the double burden of nutrition – a simultaneous occurrence of stunting and obesity. Despite the many efforts through various nutrition action plans implemented throughout the years, previously set nutrition goals remain unachieved. Undernutrition persists among selected groups across Malaysia, which is accompanied by a rising incidence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) alongside their risk factors. In fact, the findings from national health reports, like the NHMS 2019, have cited that these levels have reached alarming levels.

With less than two years remaining before the National Plan of Action for Nutrition Malaysia III (NPANM III) is terminated, several challenges must be addressed in order to implement the measures outlined in the action plan. The presence of critical hurdles, such as a lack of inter-sectorial and multi-stakeholder coordination, financial constraints, and a lack of human resource capacity, demand immediate attention. The nation is at a turning point in the fight against malnutrition and its cascading health effects, and the moment to act is now...