By P. Chandra Sagaran

This year’s state level Deepavali celebrations on November 23 at Indera Mulia Stadium will see a difference with low sugar food and beverages being offered. 

State Human Resources, Health, National Integration and Indian Community Affairs Committee Chairman, A. Sivanesan said:” as excessive sugar causes diabetes which leads to other diseases as such certain measures had to be initiated. 

“We will ban “teh tarik”, syrup and coloured drinks and also oily food at the event.

” However teh o will be available. I will also instruct health department officers to conduct a briefing for food suppliers, introduce healthier food and conduct inspections.

“Similar measures will also be taken during the state assembly sitting,” “he told a press conference on the preparations for the celebrations here today. 

Health Department officers would check all food items provided to Menteri Besar office, state exco members wakil rakyat from both sides and inform of the calorie contents.

Sivanesan noted a temporary clinic will be opened for those who want to check blood sugar, pressure and other indicators.

Some 5,000 people are expected to attend the event from 3pm to 5pm.

Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah and Raja Permaisuri Perak Tuanku Zara Salim would grace the event to be attended by other state dignitaries.