SEPANG: Capital A Bhd is open to collaborating with Malaysia Airlines (MAS) to provide in-flight meals via its food and beverage catering subsidiary Santan Food Sdn Bhd.
Chief executive officer (CEO) Tan Sri Tony Fernandes said he had met MAS executive director Datuk Izham Ismail and Santan CEO Catherine Goh on the suggestion recently.
“Malaysia Airlines has moved forward with other caterers – but who knows maybe it will consider our zero-sugar option one day.
“We dare to dream of working with Malaysia Airlines one day,” he told a press conference at the launch of Club Zero here yesterday.
Santan launched its Club Zero campaign intending to promote less sugar consumption.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, who launched the campaign, said the ministry is looking at more approaches towards its “War on Sugar” initiative, including the sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) tax.
In January, the Health Ministry announced an increase in SSB tax by 20% to 50 sen per litre from 40 sen per litre.
The SSB tax applies to ready-to-drink packaged sweetened beverages, including drinks with more than 5g of sugar per 100 millilitres and fruit or vegetable juices with over 12g of sugar per 100 millilitres.
When asked whether the tax would be expanded to other items, Dzulkefly said the ministry has yet to decide on the option.
He said the ministry is considering imposing a tax on sweetened beverages prepared on-site in cafes and restaurants.
“That is in our planning, but as of now, I am not able to reveal anything yet.
“There will be more to come and we have some very good approaches for our ‘War on Sugar’ plans.
“We will disclose and unveil this once the time is right,” he added.
On a positive note, he said sugar consumption had seen a decrease following the implementation of the SSB.
The Club Zero initiative represents Santan’s ongoing efforts to align with the health-conscious preference of consumers as well improving public health through innovative product offerings and strategic partnerships.
“The launch of Club Zero is a significant step forward in our collective effort to reduce sugar intake and encourage healthier eating habits among Malaysians.
“I hope more brands will follow suit and offer healthier options to customers,” Dzulkefly added.
Meanwhile, Goh said the group is proud to lead the way by providing healthier choices to its customers considering the significant public health issue of diabetes in the country.
“Our goal is really to spark positive changes in people’s lives and our core message is simple.
“We strive to motivate consumers to understand that products with less sugar can still taste great, inspiring confidence, all while encouraging consumers to adopt less sugar products,” she stated.
Santan had collaborated with Tealive, fully owned by Loob Holding Sdn Bhd, as well as Secret Recipe.
Santan offers a zero-sugar drink series which includes several beverages.
Additionally, Tealive is offering the zero original milk tea with konjac pearl and Secret Recipe is providing its zero chocolate indulgence cake, both with 50% less sugar.–The Star
