MALAYSIA’S long-running battle with diabetes is intensifying, as the nation once again records the highest diabetes rate in South-East Asia — a “sweet” disease leaving an increasingly bitter mark on public health.
About 21 per cent of Malaysians, or one in every five people, are now living with diabetes — up sharply from 12.1 per cent in 2011 and 19 per cent in 2021.
According to the World Bank, Malaysia has also climbed from 16th to 13th place globally for diabetes prevalence.
Health experts warn that the rising trend should be treated as a national health emergency, coinciding with World Diabetes Day on 14 November.
They are calling for stronger nutrition transparency, urging the government to expand the Health Ministry’s upcoming Malaysian Nutri-Grade system — which currently targets beverages — to include food items on menus and food delivery platforms.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad recently revealed that 3.6 million Malaysian adults are living with diabetes, while a further 1.9 million remain undiagnosed.
Among over 200 countries and territories, Pakistan recorded the highest prevalence at 31.4 per cent of adults aged 20 to 79, followed by the Marshall Islands (25.7 per cent), Kuwait (25.6 per cent) and Samoa (25.4 per cent).
Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) president Datuk Dr Thirunavukarasu Rajoo said expanding Nutri-Grade and mandatory calorie labelling to all eateries could help shift consumer behaviour.
“Extending Nutri-Grade and calorie labelling to all eateries would increase public awareness and help consumers make more informed dietary choices.
Such transparency can be a powerful tool in encouraging healthier eating habits, especially when combined with education and advocacy,” The Star reported him saying.
Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (FOMCA) chief executive officer Dr Saravanan Thambirajah warned that limiting Nutri-Grade to drinks overlooks a major source of sugar and unhealthy fats — processed and ready-to-eat foods.
“Malaysia could also consider expanding the Healthier Choice logo to food delivery platforms. This helps consumers identify better options quickly,” he said.
Former Medical Practitioner Coalitions Association president Dr Raj Kumar Maharajah added that visible nutrition labelling would also motivate restaurants to improve their recipes. “We should start such moves gradually, and they must be easy to understand,” he said.
Supporting the initiative, Diabetes Malaysia president Prof Dr Muhammad Yazid Jalaludin described Nutri-Grade as a “positive step” that could shape healthier daily habits.
“Small shifts in daily habits can prevent obesity and diabetes in the long run. However, it must be implemented thoughtfully, with education and support for both consumers and food operators,” he said.
He also urged that the Healthier Choice logo not focus solely on sugar. “Too much carbohydrates can also lead to obesity and increase abdominal fat, which can later cause diabetes,” he said.
The growing number of young diabetics is also alarming. Dr Thirunavukarasu said childhood obesity and poor dietary habits are key contributors. “Childhood obesity is also on the rise, largely due to poor dietary habits, high sugar intake and insufficient physical activity,” he said.
Prof Muhammad Yazid noted that type 2 diabetes, once confined to adults, is now being diagnosed in teenagers. “This is very concerning, pointing to the urgent need for early education and healthy school environments,” he said.
Dr Raj Kumar added that patients are now being diagnosed in their late 20s and early 30s — “something unheard of a decade ago”. However, he noted that earlier detection through stronger primary healthcare may have contributed to a decline in diabetes-related deaths, from 2,792 in 2021 to 1,975 in 2023, according to the Department of Statistics.
Consumers’ Association of Penang president Mohideen Abdul Kader called for tighter regulations in schools to instil healthy habits early.
“The government should consider removing vending machines selling junk food and sugary drinks from hospitals, airports and schools, and instead provide drinking water dispensers in these places,” he said.
He also urged restrictions on hawkers operating near schools to curb access to unhealthy food.
Dr Thirunavukarasu agreed that preventive education must begin early. “Health education should be made a stronger component of our school curriculum, focusing on nutrition, physical activity and lifestyle choices. Schools should also lead by example, providing healthy food options,” he said.
As Malaysia grapples with rising rates of diabetes — particularly among its youth — health experts stress that combating the epidemic will require more than medical intervention.
It demands a cultural shift towards transparency, education and accountability across every level of society. - November 13, 2025
