The Malaysian Health Ministry will propose a ban on fast food advertisements on television during children's peak hours, a health official said Sunday.

The proposed ban will cover air time between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. on weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on weekends, Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry Lee Kah Choon said.

As most children programs including cartoons are broadcast during that period, the move will help prevent the young from being influenced by TV fast-food advertisements, Lee told reporters in Negeri Sembilan state.

The draft proposal has been in the final stage and will be submitted to the Cabinet soon, Lee was quoted as saying by the national news agency Bernama.

Meanwhile, the ministry also suggests that fast-food operators should label the calorie content in their products and the normal amount needed by the human bodies.

Lee added the ministry has met fast food operators over the issue and they have agreed to the proposal.

Source: Xinhua