Positive Diet Supporting Sustainable Development Aims: Functional Food Intake among Malaysians

Abstract

All countries in the world are constantly striving to improve the life quality of their people. Quality of life is measured by taking into account economic, social, educational, health, communication and recreational, environmental and public safety factors. In line with this, the Sustainable Development (SDGs) is also aimed at addressing the growing problem of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Malaysia has seen the potential of functional food as one of the solutions. Therefore, this study focuses on the practice of a positive diet of functional foods among Malaysian society. The focus of the study is among urban communities on the pattern of functional food intake in their daily diet. The sample selection is based on random stratified probability sampling techniques in two major cities in the state of Selangor, namely Subang and Shah Alam. The results showed that there were differences in the level of respondents' perception of functional food intake in a positive diet according to ethnicity and gender. Price factors and access to functional foods also contribute to their behavioral patterns. Overall, this study has provided an overview of the level of perception and literacy of the population around large urban areas in Malaysia.