By Amin Ridzuan Ishak
SHAH ALAM, Aug 9 — More children in the state will be able to enjoy nutritious food when the Anak Selangor Anak Sihat (ASAS) programme is expanded under the First Selangor Plan (RS-1).
State public health advisor Dr Mohammad Farhan Rusli said the distribution of basic packs from 2021 to 2025 will help overcome stunted growth problems and being underweight among Selangor’s children.
He said a total of 720 people benefitted from ASAS so far, receiving full cream milk powder, biscuits, cereals and multivitamins for calcium absorption and to strengthen bones.
“If no precautions are taken, this can affect their growth.
“ASAS should be provided throughout all of Selangor if its allocation is increased, this will directly benefit children in the state,” Dr Mohammad Farhan said when contacted.
Meanwhile, he said the state government’s efforts have also enabled aid recipients to obtain better medical facilities as it has been coordinated with other initiatives.
“They can meet medical experts and nutrition experts, and gain access to healthy and quality food, leading to Selangor children enjoying a lot of help,” said Dr Mohammad Farhan.
During the presentation of RS-1 on July 27, Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said ASAS will be expanded throughout Selangor to overcome malnutrition among children.