I agree with TheBear
It may tastes awful to you but not to them and we always have plenty of choices and alternatives
Some Malaysian can't take cheese too much( maybe at all) because to them it taste awful, so they go for an alternative - belachan!
So go for alternatives
I don't see anything 'wrong' with using sugar or honey with meat... Personally I think it is an Asian thing (a personal opinion rather than anything else)...
You are right about risking our lives with diabetes and other kinds of diseases as the result of consuming excessive sugar... but I would also like to add that cooking honey (heating up/ cooking/ roasting/ boiling) will turn honey into poison so, be extremely careful about this!
I know, I hated it also. Usually Kelantan and Johor people like to put sugar in their savouries. I know that some other dishes put sugar to balance the spicyness or to offset the sourness but some overdo it. Imagine the desserts, you could be pulling your teeth out.
I do realize people do that here! But I like my meat HOT and spicy.. :D
I guess the sweet thing is just a different way of preparing your usual meal. For those with a sweet tooth, they would definitely enjoy it.. ;-)
of course it just not only sugar or honey, even for barbecue also have some salt and pepper before take them to cook!
actually is just to mix the taste in many ways.