KUALA LUMPUR ~ Malaysia’s health minister called this week for a ban on fast-food commercials during children’s television programs to control rising obesity.

Health Minister Chua Soi Lek said fast-food restaurants would also be required to detail the calorie content of their products under the recommendations to be sent to the cabinet.

Calling fast food a “silent killer,” Chua said the proposal was part of the ministry’s plan to control rising cases of obesity, diabetes and heart-related diseases, adding that 37 percent of Malaysia’s almost 27 million people are obese, a rise from only 20 percent a decade ago.