MALAYSIA is currently facing a serious increase in non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which not only affect the health of the people but also have a major impact on the country's economy.
Health Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, said the findings of the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) show that the situation is increasingly worrying as more than 500,000 adults in the country are living with at least four major NCDs simultaneously.
“One in six adults in Malaysia has diabetes, while one in three faces high blood pressure.
“The people’s dietary habits, which are high in sugar and salt, continue to be among the main factors contributing to the increase in cases of the disease,” he said.
He said this when speaking at the launch of the recipe book “Mai Kurang Gula, Garam dan Kalori” today.
According to him, 47 per cent of adults consume sugar above the recommended level, which is more than 7.5 teaspoons a day, which is mostly due to the consumption of sugary drinks.
In addition, three out of four adults were also found to consume salt excessively, with an average of 7.3 grams a day, far exceeding the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendation of less than five grams a day.
He stressed that the issue can no longer be seen as a purely individual health problem, but rather a major threat to the country’s economic well-being.
“This situation is not just a personal health issue, but a time bomb for the country’s economy.
“Non-communicable diseases are estimated to cost RM64.2 billion a year,” he said.
Of that amount, direct healthcare costs reached RM12.4 billion, while indirect costs such as premature death, work absence and reduced productivity due to illness were estimated at RM51.8 billion.
“The true burden of NCDs is far greater than what is seen in hospitals and clinics,” he added. – April 25, 2026
