15/05/2025

THURSDAY | MAY 15, 2025

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COMMENT by Glory Nancy Viapude

Nutrition: The missing link in mental health T HE numbers are stark and sobering. According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2022,

Staying with BAM is the smarter move LETTERS letters@thesundaily.com THE ongoing contract saga between the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) and women’s doubles pair Pearly Tan and Thinaah Muralitharan does not bode well for both parties concerned. It would be wise for the duo to carefully consider and accept the offer extended by the national body. Gratitude plays a crucial role in any professional relationship, and it is important to acknowledge the support and opportunities they have received while under BAM’s wing. With the association managing much of their needs, they may do well to view BAM as a guiding force in their careers. Pearly and Thinaah should focus fully on their badminton and continue striving for improvement. While they have had some differences recently, which may now be resolved, it would be in their best interest to remain with the national body and strengthen their partnership and support system. Going independent would expose them to a myriad of issues that they have to look into constantly and could potentially distract them from their performance on court. They should appreciate the support they currently receive and avoid being swayed by the belief that “the grass is always greener on the other side”. While they have shown significant improvement, it is important to acknowledge that they are not yet among the top-ranked pairs in the world. Against leading teams from countries like China, Japan and Korea, they often fall just short. That said, they may have their own valid reasons for reconsidering their contract. Ultimately, the decision about their future rests with them but it would be wise not to let financial factors alone dictate that choice. Thiagarajan Mathiaparanam Klang

Malnutrition There is a growing body of evidence linking nutrition to mental health. Studies consistently show that children who consume a diet rich in whole, nutritious foods are less likely to experience mental health issues compared to their peers subsisting on processed, energy dense foods. Malnutrition does not just hinder physical growth; it stunts cognitive development and erodes academic performance, compounding the pressures children already face in the classroom. For underprivileged families, the challenge of maintaining a healthy diet is particularly acute. Rising costs of living mean that affordable, healthy food options are often out of reach. Instead, children are fed cheap, calorie-dense meals devoid of essential nutrients – a vicious cycle that perpetuates poor mental health outcomes and academic struggles. Food, fitness and framework for change Healthy eating and regular physical activity can act as powerful buffers against stress, depression and anxiety. Equipping children and parents with practical nutritional knowledge – such as understanding the food pyramid, adopting balanced meal planning and making healthy recipe modifications – should be the cornerstone of Malaysia’s mental health strategy. Equally important is ensuring that children, particularly those in low-income communities, have access to structured physical activities. Sports can serve as an emotional outlet, reduce stress and foster peer

one in every four adolescents in Malaysia suffers from depression while one in 10 has attempted suicide. A Unicef study further paints a troubling picture, revealing that even children as young as 10 years-old living in People’s Housing Project areas report significant psychological distress. The underlying causes of this mental health crisis are as multifaceted as they are concerning. Dr Norzila Zakaria, a psychiatrist at Universiti Sains Malaysia Hospital, highlights a toxic cocktail of factors, including academic pressure, the relentless influence of social media, the erosion of family time and the emotional strain wrought by poverty and divorce. It is tempting to dismiss these struggles as a byproduct of a so-called “strawberry generation” but such simplifications are not only unfair – they are dangerously misguided. Recognising the urgency, the health and education ministries have rolled out initiatives aimed at tackling the problem. These include mental health literacy programmes for parents and educators, annual mental health screenings for students and interventions like the Healthy Mind Intervention Programme Module or also known as Modul Program Intervensi Minda Sihat. Yet, an often-overlooked factor in this equation is the role of nutrition and physical activity in shaping mental health outcomes for children.

Healthy eating and regular physical activity can act as powerful buffers against stress, depression and anxiety. – SUNPIC

Building foundation for mental resilience Initiatives like ERTPR underscore the importance of tackling mental health holistically, addressing both emotional and physical well-being. For children in underprivileged communities, such programmes offer not only the prospect of better nutrition but also the chance to thrive emotionally and socially. If we are serious about improving the mental health of Malaysia’s children, we must expand support for grassroots initiatives. Nutrition and physical activity are not mere adjuncts to mental health care – they are foundational pillars. By investing in these areas, we can give every child, regardless of their socioeconomic background, a fair shot at a healthier and happier future. Glory Nancy Viapude is the Programmes Quality and Development lead at World Vision Malaysia. Comments: letters@thesundaily.com

connections, all of which are critical for mental well-being. Eat right to play right One programme making meaningful strides is the World Vision Malaysia’s Eat Right to Play Right (ERTPR) initiative. Operating within B40 communities, the programme marries nutrition education with sports, empowering children to make healthier choices while simultaneously engaging in badminton training. ERTPR goes beyond teaching children; it also involves parents, particularly mothers, through community kitchen sessions. These workshops, held bi-monthly, equip mothers with the skills to prepare healthier meals, thus reshaping the home food environment. The results speak for themselves. In just two years, participating children have shown improvements in nutritional status and confidence while mothers report adopting healthier cooking habits.