THE Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has urged Malaysians to make health a central personal concern, citing the growing burden of chronic non-communicable diseases as a threat to both individual quality of life and the nation’s socio-economic resilience.
“Good health is fundamental to a good quality of life. It enables individuals to remain independent, productive and actively engaged with their families, communities and national development,” said MMA president Datuk Dr Thirunavukarasu Rajoo in a statement.
Citing the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023, Dr Thirunavukarasu highlighted the scale of the challenge: one in six adults in Malaysia has diabetes, nearly three in ten suffer from hypertension, and one in three has high cholesterol.
“Obesity is also increasing significantly. These conditions are major risk factors for heart disease, stroke, kidney failure and other complications that lead to long-term suffering and reduced productivity at both individual and national levels,” he said.
Dr Thirunavukarasu stressed that Malaysians should take practical steps to safeguard their health, starting with regular check-ups with a general practitioner.
“Early detection and timely intervention can prevent the progression of many chronic conditions,” he said, emphasising the importance of programmes like PeKa B40, which offer free health screening and follow-up care for eligible individuals.
Beyond medical screening, he highlighted the role of everyday lifestyle choices. “Eating in moderation, exercising regularly, managing stress and getting adequate sleep are key to maintaining long-term health and preventing avoidable diseases,” he said.
Dr Thirunavukarasu also framed health as a collective responsibility, calling for stronger governmental support. While acknowledging the efforts of the Ministry of Health, he warned that progress is impossible without coordinated, system-wide reform.
He urged the Finance Ministry to ensure sustained healthcare funding, particularly for preventive and primary care.
“Public healthcare spending has hovered around 2 to 2.5 per cent of gross domestic product for years — far below the recommended 5 per cent. If we are serious about improving population health and future-proofing the system, this must change,” he said.
He further called on the Public Services Department to tackle critical healthcare human resource shortages by creating permanent posts and ensuring equitable deployment nationwide. “These are not new issues.
“We have been highlighting an understaffed, overworked and underfunded public healthcare system for more than a decade. The time for discussion is over — meaningful reform and real investment are needed,” he said.
Dr Thirunavukarasu also urged Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to elevate health reform to a national priority, describing it as a matter of national security, economic stability and social well-being. Leadership from the top, he said, is essential to drive coordinated change across the system.
He appealed to Members of Parliament to prioritise health in policy-making and budget allocations. “Health reforms require enabling legislation, appropriate financing and accountability for outcomes — and Parliament is where these decisions must be made. MPs must ensure the health needs of their constituents are heard and addressed,” he said.
Reiterating that the responsibility for health extends to every ministry, policymaker, employer and individual, Dr Thirunavukarasu concluded: “Let 2026 be the year we move forward together with renewed commitment, stronger political will and genuine support for those on the frontlines.
“MMA stands ready to work with all stakeholders across government, civil society and the private sector to build a healthier, more resilient Malaysia for all.” - January 3, 2025
