ONE MAY THINK that in Malaysia, where food is easily available, malnutrition would not be a significant issue. The reality is not too far from grim, however. There is a growing concern over the increasing cases of stunting (impaired development) among children in the country, often caused by malnutrition.
Growth in children can be measured and monitored using appropriate anthropometric indicators such as height and weight. Using World Health Organisation (WHO) standardised growth charts, we can then identify if a child is underweight, overweight, wasted or stunted. Stunting means falling below -2 standard deviations from the median height-for-age of the reference population. Stunting is a permanent effect of malnutrition; this means the child will not be able to attain their potential adult height.
Stunting also implies smaller brains, potentially poorer cognitive development and reduced productivity. This spells lifelong poverty entrapment for the child. There is also data to show an increased risk of childhood infections, adult obesity and premature deaths—and increased risk of stunting in the next generation.
