Kuala lumpur: Malaysia is facing a worrying public health crisis as non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity and heart disease continue to pose a major threat to public health. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said that based on the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS), more than half a million adults in the country suffer from at least four major NCDs simultaneously.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr Dzulkefly highlighted that statistics also show that one in six adults has diabetes, while one in three suffers from high blood pressure. He emphasized that this situation is not merely a personal health issue but also significantly impacts the national economy, with estimated annual losses of about RM64.2 billion due to NCDs. These remarks were made during the launch of the 'Mai Kurang' Recipe Book and the 'Rewang Bersama Komuniti' programme at the Tun Abdul Razak Memorial today.
Dr Dzulkefly pointed out that unhealthy dietary habits among Malaysians, such as excessive intake of sugar and salt, are among the main causes of the rise in NCDs. He noted that NHMS 2024 data indicates that 47 percent of adults consume sugar beyond the recommended level, while three out of four adults consume excessive salt. He stressed that the situation requires a more comprehensive approach to change public health behavior, beyond just awareness campaigns.
In response, the Ministry of Health (MOH) is focusing on a choice architecture approach to encourage healthier food choices among the public. The launch of the 'Mai Kurang' Recipe Book is a key intervention supporting this effort. Dr Dzulkefly explained that the book serves as an intervention tool that facilitates the preparation of healthy meals with lower sugar, salt, and calorie content, while still catering to local tastes.
Dr Dzulkefly asserted that addressing NCDs requires a shift from a treatment-based approach to one focused on prevention and wellness, necessitating the cooperation of all parties, including the private sector, communities, and individuals.