THE nation’s battle against non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is becoming increasingly urgent, with diabetes, obesity and other lifestyle-related illnesses continuing to affect a significant proportion of the population, according to Sarawak State Health Department director Dr Veronica Lugah.
Highlighting the scale of the public health challenge, Dr Veronica said national health data showed that chronic diseases remain widespread, with diabetes emerging as the country's most prevalent non-communicable disease.
"At the national level, data collected across Malaysia shows that many Malaysians are affected by NCDs.
"The most common is diabetes mellitus. One in six Malaysians has diabetes.
"High blood pressure affects one in three Malaysians, while high cholesterol also affects one in three people," THe Borneo Post reported her saying in her welcoming address at the Kuching Sihat Run held at Padang Merdeka on Sunday.
She said excess body weight has become another major concern, driven largely by sedentary lifestyles and inadequate physical activity.
"One in two Malaysians falls into the overweight or obese category.
"In fact, 54.4 per cent of the Malaysian population is classified as overweight or obese. This highlights the significant challenge we face in addressing weight-related health issues.
"Approximately one in two people do not engage regularly in sports or other forms of exercise and do not lead active lifestyles," she said.
Dr Veronica stressed that encouraging healthier habits and increasing public awareness must remain a continuous national priority to reduce preventable illnesses and improve long-term health outcomes.
"Efforts to raise awareness and encourage healthy living practices must be carried out continuously to ensure that the public remains mindful of risk factors that may adversely affect their health," she said.
She added that adopting a more active lifestyle is essential to improving overall well-being and quality of life, particularly as Malaysia continues to confront the growing burden of chronic diseases linked to poor diet, inactivity and obesity.
The Kuching Sihat Run, held under the theme "Sihat Itu Saya" ("Health Starts with Me"), attracted 1,849 participants competing in the 3km, 5km and 10km categories.
The event was flagged off by Kuching South Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng, representing Deputy Premier and Sarawak Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian. Also present was Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) Deputy Director of Community Services Rudzaimeir Malek.
On a similar note, Sabah Women, Health and People’s Wellbeing Minister, Datuk Julita Majungki, emphasises the need for healthy eating habits among children to combat rising obesity rates during Nutrition Month Malaysia 2026 in Kota Kinabalu.
Julita reported that the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2024 found that 13.6% of children and adolescents and 23.1% of adults are classified as obese.
She highlighted the importance of nutrition education and public awareness to prevent non-communicable diseases. The Star reported her saying that simple dietary changes like increasing fruit and vegetable intake can improve health outcomes.
Julita stated that maintaining good health requires commitment from individuals, families, and communities, not just the government. - June 21, 2026
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