Kuala Lumpur, 2 July 2025 – 1 in 3 Malaysian children could be suffering from iron deficiency anemia (IDA) without their parents knowing it, a silent health crisis that prompted free screening for over 500 Puchong families.
The community health drive, backed by Puchong MP Yeo Bee Yin, revealed concerning rates of conditions that can impact children’s brain development and learning ability in the long term.
“Our children are facing a preventable health issue that’s hiding in plain sight,” said YB Yeo, who attended the screening across the low-income neighborhoods in Puchong. “When 1 in 3 of our children might have anemia, that’s not just a health statistic, it’s a threat to our nation’s future.”
The screenings—comprising anemia risk assessments and the Iron Strong online screening for iron intake—organized by Danone Specialized Nutrition Malaysia (Danone) with local group Kiddo Foodbank, provided more than RM50,000 worth of nutritional support** and connected families with ongoing monitoring through the Kiddo Foodbank Program.
The initiative reached families at their doorstep, setting up screening stations and nutritional educational talks at Surau Ar-Ridhuan Taman Puchong Permai, Rumah Pangsa Bandar Bukit Puchong, and Pangsapuri PKNS Jalan 7/1 Serdang Jaya.
“Most parents don’t realize their children have iron deficiency anemia until it’s already affecting their school performance,” explained KOH Kok Meng, Country Manager of Danone Specialized Nutrition Malaysia & Singapore. “By bringing these screenings directly to neighborhoods, we’re catching cases that would have otherwise gone undiagnosed.”
Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a growing concern in Malaysia, particularly among children under 5 years old. Research shows that 1 in 3 children in this age group is at risk, and alarmingly, 90% of those affected show no visible symptoms. Children with IDA are also twice as likely to experience stunting, a condition that impairs physical and cognitive development. Currently, 1 in 5 Malaysian children is stunted, a rate that lags behind other Southeast Asian countries—highlighting the urgent need for early detection and intervention.
The alarming statistics from Danone’s 2023 Iron Strong Study, conducted in partnership with healthcare experts, first revealed that 1 in 3 Malaysian children are at risk. These findings were backed by a regional expert consensus from Southeast Asia and India recommending annual screening for all children aged 1–5.
“This isn’t a one-time charity event. We’re building a system where early detection leads to early intervention, preventing long-term developmental issues. Building an iron strong, smart generation isn’t just a goal, it’s driving every step of our strategy,” KOH Kok Meng continues.
This screening builds on the success of the first drive conducted during Danone Day, where Danone employees mobilized to raise awareness about iron deficiency anemia (IDA) through educational campaigns and community outreach. The Danone Day initiative laid the groundwork for deeper engagement with families and schools, reinforcing Danone’s commitment to long-term public health impact.
IDA screening and intervention is a cornerstone of Danone’s sustainability framework—the Danone Impact Journey—which integrates health, nature, and communities into every aspect of the business. As a company with a strong dual-purpose mission to deliver health through food and drive sustainable business impact, Danone Malaysia’s Iron-Fortification Initiative exemplifies how public health efforts like IDA screening align with our broader goals of reducing inequalities, supporting child development, and building resilient communities. Tackling IDA not only improves individual lives but also contributes to national economic growth and educational outcomes, making it a strategic priority within our Health pillar.
The initiative is part of Danone’s ongoing efforts to support Malaysia’s broader public health objectives, including the Ministry of Health 2030 Nutrition Roadmap.
**Danone’s nutrition support includes dedicated Dugro product solution tailored to meet the developmental needs of children.
