The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has urged urgent measures to tackle the growing diabetes crisis in the country.
Recent statistics reveal that 21 per cent of Malaysians — roughly one in five adults — are living with diabetes, placing Malaysia 13th globally and the highest in Southeast Asia for diabetes prevalence.
The National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023 reported that 15.6 per cent of adults have diabetes, while over half of adults are overweight or obese.
“This is no longer just a health issue; it has become a national concern,” said MMA President Datuk Dr Thirunavukarasu Rajoo in a statement today. He emphasized that the government, private sector, schools, and the public must work together to address the problem.
Diabetes can lead to severe complications, including heart disease, kidney failure, blindness, stroke, and amputations, all of which require long-term care and incur significant costs.
According to a Health Ministry and World Health Organization (WHO) report, diabetes accounted for RM4.38 billion in direct healthcare costs in 2017. Without effective prevention, both the financial burden and impact on families and the healthcare system are expected to rise.
Dr Thirunavukarasu stressed the importance of early detection in saving lives and recommended that Malaysians undergo annual health screenings to identify diabetes early and prevent complications.
The MMA also called for stronger public education on healthy diets and physical activity, to be implemented in schools, workplaces, and through media campaigns. They urged policies to reduce sugar in foods and beverages, expand the sugar tax, and provide clear nutritional labeling to guide healthier choices.
Finally, the MMA emphasized the need for a long-term, multi-agency plan involving ministries, health agencies, schools, and communities. They stressed that united action is crucial to prevent diabetes and safeguard future generations.
