Determinants of Fruit and Vegetables Consumption in Malaysia

This paper examines the determinants of fruit and vegetables (FV) consumption in Malaysia. By using the data from Household Expenditure Survey 200912010, Tobit model was applied to analyse the variables that influence FV consumption in households. Results show that household head (HH)'s age, HH's ethnicity, HH's gender, HH's educational level, HH's working sector, household income, household alcohol expenditure and household smoking expenditure significantly influence fruit consumption in household. HH's age, HH's ethnicity, HH's gender, HH's educational level and HH's working sector and household income are found to affect household vegetables consumption. Overall, households consume less fruit when headed by individuals are below 30 years old. IndiadOther ethnic. female. least-educated and ~rimarvse ctor worker. Households consume less vee-e tables when headed by individuals who are below 30 years old, Bumiputera ethnic, female, tertiary educated and tertiary/other sector worker. Based on the findings, several policy implications are recommended vis-8-vis FV consumption in Malaysia