Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Brunei Tops Southeast Asia in Obesity—Why Has Nothing Changed?


By Malai Hassan Othman

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, JANUARY 2025: Beneath the tranquil beauty of Brunei Darussalam’s landscapes lies a troubling reality: the country has become the most overweight nation in Southeast Asia, with obesity rates soaring. 

 

This uncomfortable truth reflects inadequacies in the efforts to address the issue, which have fallen short of reversing the trend. 

From Makan-Makan Culture to a Health Crisis 

The makan-makan culture, which has long been integral to Bruneian life, now raises a critical question: is it causing more harm than good? 

 

Frequent office potlucks, celebratory feasts, and a strong social norm of sharing high-calorie meals have led to a societal epidemic of obesity. 

 

Once a symbol of warmth and generosity, this culture is now contributing to alarming health issues. 

 

Currently, a shocking 28.2% of Bruneians are obese, with nearly half of the population being overweight - figures that place Brunei at the top of Southeast Asia’s obesity rankings. 

 

Even more concerning is the drastic rise in childhood obesity, with over 18% of adolescents aged 13-17 classified as obese, making it the highest in the region. 

 

How Does Brunei Compare to Its Neighbors?

 


Brunei's obesity rate of 28.2% not only leads Southeast Asia but also far exceeds rates in neighbouring countries such as Malaysia at 19.7%, Singapore at 11.6%, and Thailand at 11.6%. 

 

The contrast is stark when compared to nations like Vietnam (1.7%) and Timor-Leste (1.1%), where obesity is a minor concern. 

 

In response to its obesity crisis, Malaysia has introduced taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages and stricter food labelling laws, while Singapore has actively promoted national fitness campaigns and calorie-conscious dining options. 

 

Despite these initiatives, both countries still trail behind healthier nations like Vietnam and the Philippines, where obesity rates remain under 10% due to higher levels of daily physical activity and lower consumption of processed foods. 

 

This issue transcends individual choices; it is a systemic problem that necessitates collective action from policymakers, businesses, and the public. 

 

Solutions must extend beyond quick fixes and tackle the underlying factors exacerbating the crisis. 

 

A System Failing Its People

 

Experts argue that Brunei’s battle with obesity is rooted in systemic issues, extending beyond mere diet and lifestyle choices. 

 

The market is saturated with cheap, unhealthy food, while healthier alternatives are often prohibitively expensive. 

 

“Pasar Malam drinks are essentially liquid sugar. It’s astonishing how much-condensed milk and syrup are packed into just one cup,” remarked a local observer. 

 

“If you’re not diabetic now, you will be soon.” 

 

A lack of physical activity compounds the problem. In a car-dependent culture, many Bruneians walk significantly less than their regional peers. 

 

"On average, I take only 3,000 steps a day, while my friends in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore easily manage 6,000 to 8,000," confessed one Bruneian professional. 

 

Observers note that many Bruneians prefer to park as close to department store entrances as possible, viewing it as a blessing to avoid even short walks. 

 

"If they can park right in front of the door, they feel like they've hit the jackpot," one remarked.

 

This Isn't New – A Crisis I Warned About Decades Ago


 

The obesity epidemic in Brunei is not a recent development - I recognized the warning signs decades ago. 

 

In the early 2000s, I reported on emerging obesity trends in the country, linking them to poor dietary habits and sedentary lifestyles. 

 

A study I covered at that time revealed that 96% of women and 54% of men were overweight or obese, with alarming waist-to-hip ratios that indicated significant health risks. 

 

Those findings raised concerns, but was enough done to avert today’s crisis? 

 

I vividly recall the alarms sounded back then, and the latest statistics show that those warnings went unheeded. 

 

This crisis has been brewing for decades, and yet Brunei now leads Southeast Asia in obesity rates. The question remains: why has so little changed?

 

Brunei's Obesity Policies: Falling Short or a Step in the Right Direction?

 

The government has introduced initiatives such as the Brunei National Multisectoral Action Plan for NCDs, but many feel these efforts are superficial and ineffective. 

 

“We hear about policies, but where’s the enforcement? Where are the free exercise programs? Where’s the tax on high-sugar products? It’s all just talk,” said one frustrated citizen. 

 

Despite the Ministry of Health’s efforts to promote calorie-awareness campaigns and implement school bans on sugary drinks, junk food remains cheap and accessible, while gym memberships and healthy food options are exclusive luxuries for the privileged. 

 

To make real progress, there must be stronger enforcement and collaboration across sectors - from the government imposing clear dietary guidelines to food businesses providing healthier options at reasonable prices.

 

Cultural Resistance to Change

 

Part of the challenge lies in Brunei’s deep-rooted attitudes towards food. 

 

Traditional dishes - rich in coconut milk, sugar, and fried ingredients - are both cherished and celebrated. 

 

Moreover, a sedentary lifestyle is prevalent, with little focus on daily exercise. 

 

“Bruneians often say they’ll start exercising ‘esok’ (tomorrow), but tomorrow never comes,” said a nutritionist. 

 

“The sad reality is that many only take health seriously when they find themselves in the ICU.”

 

An Avoidable Crisis—But Who Will Act?

 

Health observers and experts suggest that Brunei’s obesity epidemic is not just about food, but a challenge in policy effectiveness, public awareness, and behavioural change. The country needs more proactive measures, including:

 

·      Higher taxes on sugary drinks and fast food 

 

·      More accessible and affordable healthy meal options 

 

·      Mandatory exercise programs in schools and workplaces 

 

·      Urban planning that prioritises walkability 

 

·      Stronger public health education initiatives

 

To reverse this crisis, we need more than just policies; we need a national mindset shift toward health, encouraging individuals to make better choices while the government fosters a healthier environment. 

 

Preventing obesity is a shared responsibility, and only through sustained, collaborative efforts can Brunei curb this growing epidemic.

 

Time is running out for Brunei. With diabetes, heart disease, and obesity-related complications on the rise, how much longer can we afford to ignore this crisis?

How has obesity affected you or those around you? What solutions do you think would make the biggest impact? Join the discussion and share your insights.(MHO/01/2025)

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