03/06/2025

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Skipping meals could spell trouble for your health

Top Indian SPM achievers rewarded with RM70,000 GEORGE TOWN: A total of 167 high-achieving Indian students in Penang who excelled in the 2024 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination have received contributions amounting to RM70,200 from the Penang Hindu Endowments Board. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the students, who scored 7As and above across 37 schools, reflect the state government’s ongoing commitment to educational development. “I believe every young person in Penang has great potential to succeed, provided they remain committed and seize the opportunities for guidance and support available to them. “The state government continues to prioritise human capital development as outlined in the Penang 2030 Vision, with a key focus on enhancing access to quality education for all,” he said on Sunday during the Education Carnival for SPM and STPM leavers and the 2024 SPM top scorers’ appreciation ceremony. Also present were board chairman RSN Rayer and his deputy A. Lingeshwaran. Lingeshwaran noted that this marks the second consecutive year the board has recognised outstanding Indian students in Penang, with each student receiving RM50 for every A obtained in the SPM examination. He added that between 2023 and May, the board has channelled a total of RM883,607 towards educational aid for students pursuing certificate, diploma and degree programmes as well as welfare assistance. “Last year, the board received an allocation of RM1.5 million from the state government. This year, the amount has increased to RM2 million. “We hope these funds will continue to benefit the Indian community in Penang, especially our youth pursuing education,” he said. – Bernama

PETALING JAYA: That skipped breakfast or late-night snack might seem harmless but over time such habits can quietly raise the risk of developing gallstones, medical experts warn. Universiti Malaysia Terengganu food biochemistry and biophysics lecturer Assoc Prof Dr Mohamad Khairi Zainol referred to a study published in Frontiers in Nutrition , which found that individuals who frequently skip breakfast face a 20% to 30% higher risk of gallstone formation. “One study revealed that 4.5% of participants had cholesterol saturated bile after fasting for nine hours, a figure that soared to 54.5% after 16 hours,” he said. He also warned against regular late-night snacking on high-fat foods o Experts link missed breakfasts and late-night snacks to higher gallstone risk and digestive problems Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

contracts to release bile into the small intestine. Skipping meals reduces this contraction, leading to bile stasis,” he said. He also highlighted that women are particularly susceptible due to higher oestrogen levels, which increase cholesterol in bile and reduce gallbladder motility. “Those over 40 are also more at risk as metabolic processes slow with age, affecting bile composition and gallbladder function.” Obesity is another significant risk factor as an overweight individual’s liver produces more cholesterol than bile can process. “Rapid weight loss contributes too, it causes the liver to release more cholesterol, upsetting the bile’s delicate balance,” he said. Beyond gallstones, skipping meals can destabilise blood sugar levels, increase insulin resistance and elevate the risk of chronic conditions such as diabetes. Irregular eating habits may also lead to overeating, digestive problems, anxiety, poor memory and hormonal imbalances. “For young women, these behaviours can even lead to irregular or missed periods.” He added that although gallbladder cancer is rare, long-term inflammation caused by untreated gallstones could increase the risk over time.

he added. “At the same time, refined carbohydrates, fried foods and excessive alcohol should be avoided.” Cengild GI Medical Centre senior consultant gastroenterologist and hepatologist Datuk Dr Tan Huck Joo explained that gallstones form when there is a chemical imbalance in bile, most often due to excessive cholesterol. “When the liver produces more cholesterol than bile can dissolve, soft cholesterol stones may develop,” he said. “In other cases, excess bilirubin results in pigment stones, which are harder and black in colour.” Poor gallbladder emptying – often caused by skipping meals – leads to bile stagnation, creating ideal conditions for stone formation. While some people experience symptoms such as upper abdominal pain, bloating or back pain, many remain symptom-free. “These silent gallstones often go undetected and may not require treatment. “However, if complications such as inflammation, infection or a blocked bile duct arise, symptoms such as fever or jaundice can occur,” he said. In more serious cases, conditions such as empyema (pus in the gallbladder), acute pancreatitis or severe infection may develop. “After meals, the gallbladder

homestay operators. Food vendor Halimah Abu Bakar, 48, reported a 50% increase in sales during the school holidays due to a rise in customer numbers at her stall. “On weekdays, we usually serve around 100 customers, but during the holidays it goes up to 150 a day. Most of them are from other states and Singapore. “Although we have to open early and return home late at night, it’s worth the effort as our daily income has nearly tripled,”she told Bernama at complaint, the department has been alerted to the incidents by the village head and Kuala Krai police chief Superintendent Mazlan Mamat. A check by Bernama at a dumping site in Kampung Kubang Lebur found a troop of wild monkeys scavenging for food near rubbish bins. Villager Rosman Samat, 41, said the presence of wild monkeys in the area leaves residents feeling vulnerable. “Sometimes the monkeys just watch from a distance, but there are times when they approach as if they’re about to lunge at the garbage bags we’re holding. We constantly have to stay alert,” he added. as bile secretion naturally slows in line with the body’s circadian rhythm. “When fat-rich foods are consumed during this period bile doesn’t flow effectively, resulting in higher concentration and an increased risk of crystallisation,” he explained. Irregular meal timings disrupt the gallbladder’s normal contractions, leading to bile stasis. Such eating patterns are also linked to higher calorie intake, poor dietary quality and greater metabolic stress. A study featured in EatingWell found that eating after 8pm could double the risk of digestive discomfort, while meals between 5pm and 7pm were better aligned with the body’s natural rhythm and supported healthier bile flow. Khairi noted that bile plays a vital role in breaking down fats and absorbing fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E and K. “Disrupted eating patterns impair these functions and can negatively affect overall digestive health,” he said. To support healthy bile flow and gallbladder function, he recommended a diet rich in fibre, healthy fats, bitter herbs and hydrating foods. “Leafy greens, whole grains, olive oil, avocados and probiotic-rich foods are excellent options,”

Holidays bring opportunities to local economy in Johor JOHOR BAHRU: The school holidays since May 29, which brought joy to students and families, have also been a boon for hawkers, homestay operators and local communities around tourist hotspots in the state. her stall near the urban forest. Ice cream vendor Hasimi Md Isa, 41, described the school break as a “harvest season” for local hawkers. the attractions. Homestay operator Suraya Abd Majid, 38, said all her units listed online were fully booked a week before the holidays started, reflecting strong demand for affordable

“This holiday, my ice cream sales can exceed RM50 a day compared with RM30 on regular days. It’s a much anticipated moment for us with the increase in tourist arrivals,” he shared. The arrival of visitors from outside Johor, including Kuala Lumpur, Malacca and Pahang, has also boosted local economic activity, especially for homestay operators near

accommodation outside city centres. “Many families choose homestays because they can cook and save money. The facilities are also more family-friendly. “For this school break alone, my homestay in Kempas has been fully booked until June 7,” she added.

A Bernama survey of several popular locations, including Johor Bahru City Square, Johor Zoo and the City Council’s urban forest, found that the presence of domestic tourists has risen sharply since the holidays began, providing a surge in income for street food and souvenir vendors as well as

Over 100 monkeys captured in Kuala Krai since last year

KUALA KRAI: The Department of Wildlife and National Parks has captured over 100 wild monkeys that have posed a threat to residents in the Kuala Krai area since last year. Kelantan director Mohamad Hafid Rohani told Bernama that, following public complaints, two traps were set up at the identified locations. On Saturday, media reports stated that 300 residents from Kampung Kubang Lebur, Kampung Batu Lada and Taman Berkat Jaya have been living in fear due to wild monkey attacks, which left two people injured within a week. Mohamad Hafid said although the victims have not lodged an official

A villager said the presence of wild monkeys in the area leaves residents feeling vulnerable. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN