non-communicable disease (NCDs) Archives

2 March 2026

Malaysia

Over Half Of Hospital Patients At Risk Of Disease-Related Malnutrition, Say Dietitians

The Malaysian Dietitians’ Association says over half of hospital patients – and up to 70% among cancer patients – are at risk of disease-related malnutrition, doubling readmission risk and raising costs by 20-30%. Medical nutrition therapy is not covered by insurance.

26 February 2026

Malaysia

GSK Survey Finds 78% Of Adults Worry About Disruption To Life From Shingles

The survey results highlight the need for greater public health education on how chronic ill-health and lowered immunity may increase shingles risk, reframing shingles awareness as an essential part of routine care for adults aged 50 and over living with certain chronic health conditions.

12 February 2026

Letter

Ultra-Processed Foods May Increase Risk Of Mental Health Issues — Dr Lim Poh Khuen

Early-life exposure to UPF may increase mental health risk. When public assistance frameworks make highly processed foods the most "affordable" default, we aren't just shaping waistlines; we are shaping the cognitive architecture of the next generation.

11 February 2026

Malaysia

Sara Aid Covers Frozen Highly Processed Foods Banned In Schools

Sara aid doesn't cover fresh fruits/veg but highly processed foods instead like frozen nuggets, sausage, burgers and fries that are banned in schools. MOH’s Malaysian Dietary Guidelines link ultra-processed food consumption to NCDs like obesity and cancer.

10 February 2026

Malaysia

If Sugar Subsidy Abolished, Armizan Wants Savings Channelled To KPDN

KPDN Minister Armizan Mohd Ali says savings from any sugar subsidy abolition should remain with KPDN for cost-of-living programmes, adding that subsidy removal must be gradual to avoid price shocks. KPDN and MOF are reviewing sugar incentives and prices.

28 January 2026

Letter

The Silent NCD Crisis In Malaysia: A Public Health Warning — Assistant Medical Officer

An AMO warns of Malaysia's silent NCD crisis, with a high proportion of undiagnosed chronic conditions, especially among the B40. Public health medicine specialists are underutilised. Failure to strengthen their capacity results in overwhelmed hospitals.

20 January 2026

Malaysia

Nutritionists: Follow Malaysia’s Scientific Food Pyramid, Not US Inverted Pyramid

Nutritionists advise Malaysians to follow Malaysia's 2020 food pyramid instead of the US' new inverted pyramid, saying one shouldn't overeat animal proteins or rice. MOH says its food pyramid is based on local science. KPKM wants a Farm-to-Plate campaign.

22 December 2025

Malaysia

Include ILD In National Healthy Lung Initiative, Say Experts, Patient, Caregiver

Experts, a patient, and a caregiver want ILD to be included in the National Lung Healthy Initiative to enable more resources for the rare illness. A caregiver says, "Every day is structured around breath—protecting it, easing it, and cherishing it."

16 December 2025

Letter

Resetting Malaysia’s Health Future: Making Diabetes Prevention National Policy — Dr Dicky Ng & Dr Chow Sze Loon

Malaysia should expand taxable SSB products to cover sweetened milk drinks, flavoured coffees, 3-in-1 beverages, energy drinks, and high-sugar syrups; adopt a tiered sugar tax; and ring-fence SSB revenue for prevention, including school health programmes.

12 December 2025

Letter

Fit To Work Until 65? Reforming The Retirement Age Policy — Muhammad Hafeez Basri

If workers do not have the capacity to remain fit and healthy into their 60s, simply raising the retirement age will not deliver the benefits policymakers expect.

Tag: non-communicable disease (NCDs)

Over Half Of Hospital Patients At Risk Of Disease-Related Malnutrition, Say Dietitians

GSK Survey Finds 78% Of Adults Worry About Disruption To Life From Shingles

Ultra-Processed Foods May Increase Risk Of Mental Health Issues — Dr Lim Poh Khuen

Sara Aid Covers Frozen Highly Processed Foods Banned In Schools

If Sugar Subsidy Abolished, Armizan Wants Savings Channelled To KPDN

The Silent NCD Crisis In Malaysia: A Public Health Warning — Assistant Medical Officer

Nutritionists: Follow Malaysia’s Scientific Food Pyramid, Not US Inverted Pyramid

Include ILD In National Healthy Lung Initiative, Say Experts, Patient, Caregiver

Resetting Malaysia’s Health Future: Making Diabetes Prevention National Policy — Dr Dicky Ng & Dr Chow Sze Loon

Fit To Work Until 65? Reforming The Retirement Age Policy — Muhammad Hafeez Basri

Specialist Gets Warning Letter After Raising Miri Hospital’s Doctor Shortage

Cancer Patient Gets Full Premium Refund After Medical Policy Voided

Only One Medical Officer Reported For Duty Out Of Nine Permanent Posts In Kinabatangan Hospital: JKNS

Hire Foreign Housemen, Medical Officers Now: Galen Centre

Two Doctors, Hospital Awarded RM1m Costs In Dismissal Of Negligence Suit Over Neonatal Case