KUCHING: Peka B40 is a life changing initiative by the Pakatan Harapan (PH) federal government which provides an opportunity for the poor to have medical screening, blood pressure test and other tests, said Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii.
“It is aimed at improving the wellbeing of the low-income group,” he added when officiating at the blood donation, free health checkup and Peka B40 programme at Kuching Sentral yesterday.
He added that the people were currently fighting a war against non-communicable diseases (NCDs): diabetes, heart disease, chronic kidney disease, high blood pressure and others.
“According to the National Health and Mobility Survey (NHMS) survey statistics in 2015, 30.3 per cent of Malaysians have high blood pressure, 17.7per cent have diabetes and 47.7 per cent have high cholesterol.
“This year, I am sure these figures will increase even more. The best way to combat NCDs is to have early detection and treatment because if they are not addressed, Malaysia will have a sick nation by 2030.
“Hence, I welcome the government reducing the B40 age to 40 years old since August and it will be continued at 40 years old in next year’s budget,” he said.
The programme, organised by Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) Board of Visitors, took place from 10am until 5pm.
It also aimed to create public awareness on the need for regular blood donation throughout the year in order to maintain adequate supply of blood for all patients requiring blood transfusions.
The Serian Hospital lent a helping hand by providing a blood donation team.
