BINTULU: Malaysia is currently facing an increase in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease, which are increasingly burdening the public health system as the population ages.
Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development Minister, Datuk Sri Dr. Stephen Rundi Utom, said although the life expectancy of Malaysians is increasing, more people are living in unhealthy conditions, which in turn reduces the country’s productivity.
According to him, data from the Ministry of Health (MoH) indicates that one in five adults in Malaysia has diabetes, three in ten have high blood pressure, and four in ten have high cholesterol.
“This situation not only affects productivity but also increases the cost of public treatment. If we remain oblivious and maintain a careless attitude toward our health, it is not surprising that the number of Malaysians living with diseases resulting from unhealthy lifestyles will multiply in the future,” he said.
He made these comments while officiating at the Sebauh District Level ‘Aram Bepengerai Serta Regas’ Carnival in conjunction with the Healthy Malaysia National Agenda Tour (ANMS) held at Rumah Jimun Dideng, Sungai Sekutan, Ulu Sebauh, on Saturday.
Dr. Rundi, who was represented by political secretary to the Premier, Collin Patan, also called on all parties to strengthen preventive practices and awareness to ensure that people maintain their health throughout life.
Senior Assistant Director of the HIV, Aids and Hepatitis C Section, Disease Control Division of the State Health Department, Dr. Ruziana Miss, Head of the HIV, Aids and Hepatitis C Sector, Disease Control Division of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Fazidah Yuswan, and Sebauh District Officer, Thadeus Ling Bartholomew Allu, were also present.
