Shah alam: The cost of treating end-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Malaysia has surged sharply, escalating from RM572 million in 2020 to a staggering RM3.3 billion annually, reflecting a significant rise in cases each year.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad highlighted the growing financial burden this situation places on the country, alongside the profound impact on patients' lives. "In 2010, Malaysia spent RM572 million on treating end-stage CKD, but today the figure has risen to RM3.3 billion annually. This burden not only affects patients' quality of life, but also places a very heavy financial strain on our country," he stated at the National World Kidney Day 2026 event at Wisma Majlis Bandaraya Shah Alam (MBSA).
The prevalence of CKD in Malaysia has seen a worrying increase, climbing from nine percent in 2011 to 15.5 percent in the previous year. Dr Dzulkefly further elaborated that, on average, 28 Malaysians are diagnosed with kidney failure daily and require dialysis treatment to survive. Alarmingly, more than five million Malaysians are currently living with CKD, but only five percent are aware of their condition. Without decisive action, more than 106,000 Malaysians are expected to need dialysis treatment by 2040.
In response to this crisis, the government is emphasizing prevention to alleviate the disease's burden. Diabetes mellitus complications are identified as the main cause of kidney failure in Malaysia, and patients cannot rely solely on dialysis without addressing the underlying issues. Consequently, the government has raised the sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) tax to 90 sen per litre, effective from January 1, 2025, as a preventive measure. In 2025, RM54.9 million was collected from the excise duty on SSB, with RM21 million directed to the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH).
These funds are being utilized to finance treatment with Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, which help reduce CKD complications. The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) organized the national-level observance of World Kidney Day 2026, where Dr Dzulkefly emphasized these efforts.
Additionally, Selangor Public Health and Environment Committee chairman Jamaliah Jamaluddin announced the state government's initiatives to enhance public health efforts by focusing on kidney disease awareness campaigns. This includes expanding collaboration with NKF to improve organ donation-related initiatives, aiming to combine health and environmental sustainability aspects to combat the rise of kidney disease.
Jamaliah also noted the low rate of organ donation pledges as a significant challenge, especially when donor wishes are not respected by family members posthumously. To address this, the state government is reviewing cooperation with NKF to expand organ donation campaigns, which could reduce reliance on dialysis and alleviate the pressure on healthcare resources.
Moreover, Jamaliah's committee is evaluating the expansion of kidney health screening programs, as there is currently no specific screening initiative. The state government is prepared to reassess kidney health policies in the context of prevailing trends in non-communicable diseases.