MIRI: Urgent action is needed from all sectors to stem the growing prevalence of diabetes in Malaysia.
Diabetes Malaysia Miri branch vice president Jong Koi Chong stressed this need at a press conference to announce Miri’s World Diabetes Day Awareness and Wellness Expo 2024.
Citing the 2022 National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS), Jong highlighted that nearly 20 per cent of Malaysia’s adult population is currently diagnosed with diabetes.
“If we include undiagnosed cases, the figure would be even more alarming,” he said, stressing the critical nature of diabetes in the country.
Obesity, a significant contributor to diabetes, remains a major health challenge in Malaysia, which holds the highest obesity rate in the Asean region.
“In Malaysia, two out of every five adults have diabetes, showing how severe the problem is,” Jong added.
He called for increased cooperation across government and non-government sectors, including support from local governments, various ministries, and corporate bodies, to develop effective strategies to curb the rise in diabetes.
Malaysia’s National Health and Morbidity Survey, traditionally conducted every four years, has been revised to a biennial schedule, underlining the urgency of the situation.
Statistics show a concerning trend, with a one-to-two per cent increase in diabetes prevalence every four years, one of the highest rates in the Western Pacific region.
The World Diabetes Day Awareness and Wellness Expo 2024 will take place on Nov 23-24 at the Pullman Waterfront Miri.
Organised by Diabetes Malaysia Miri branch in partnership with Pullman Miri Waterfront, the event will feature group fitness sessions, a children’s painting contest, a blood donation drive, and a Charity Run on Nov 24.
All proceeds from the Charity Run, which has already registered over 1,000 participants, will go toward supporting diabetes advocacy and assistance for affected individuals.
Also present at the press conference were Diabetes Malaysia Miri branch chairperson Ting Chiew Moi and Pullman Miri Waterfront General Manager Alan Tham.
