More Malaysians ‘getting sick before getting old’

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is facing a worrying health crisis as increasing numbers of people develop non-communicable diseases (NCDs) at a younger age, fuelling a “getting sick before getting old” phenomenon that could undermine national productivity and place greater strain on the public healthcare system.

The rising prevalence of NCDs, mental health problems, obesity and the pressures of daily life are not only affecting Malaysians’ quality of life, but could also slow the country’s economic growth.

Many people are seeking treatment only after their conditions have become serious, resulting in higher medical costs and reduced workplace productivity.

The situation is expected to worsen as Malaysia moves towards becoming an ageing nation by 2030, when 15 per cent of the population will be aged 60 and above.

Several studies compiled by Berita Harian have raised critical questions over mounting pressure on the public healthcare system, the country’s social protection structure, and labour market productivity.

The National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2025 found that two in three Malaysians aged 60 and above suffer from high blood pressure, while three in five have high cholesterol. Two in five are living with diabetes, and three in 10 are experiencing depression.

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These diseases typically begin in a person’s 40s or 50s before progressing into chronic conditions after retirement.

Low health screening rates and a culture of delaying treatment have also emerged as major challenges.

Data from the Patient Voices Malaysia: Making Healthcare Clearer and More Connected report by Economist Impact showed that almost all Malaysians had postponed medical treatment due to costs, work commitments and family priorities, resulting in diseases being detected only at more serious stages.

Among the main reasons for delaying treatment were concerns about becoming a financial or caregiving burden to family members (28 per cent), work commitments (19 per cent), and prioritising children’s needs over personal health (18 per cent).

According to the latest data from ProtectHealth, a subsidiary of the Health Ministry, only 27 per cent of the 7.1 million Malaysians eligible for the PeKa Sihat (Peka B40) programme have utilised the service despite it being fully free.

PeKa Sihat is a government initiative aimed at improving healthcare access for the B40 group, particularly in the early detection of NCDs.

Meanwhile, an Alpro Health study found that one in two workers is at risk of extreme fatigue or burnout due to increasing workplace stress.

The study showed that about 49 per cent of respondents were at high risk of burnout, while more than 57 per cent experienced high psychological stress and 46 per cent faced significant physical strain in carrying out daily tasks.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that depression and anxiety result in the loss of about 12 billion working days globally each year.

The International Labour Organisation (ILO), in its 2026 global report, estimated that psychosocial risks in the workplace contribute to more than 840,000 deaths annually and economic losses equivalent to about 1.37 per cent of global gross domestic product (GDP).

‘Workforce health deteriorating’

Experts view the “getting sick before growing old” phenomenon as a demographic “time bomb” that could affect national productivity if not addressed early.

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Public health medicine specialist at the International Islamic University Malaysia’s (IIUM) Kulliyyah of Medicine, Associate Professor Dr Muhammad Adil Zainal Abidin, said Malaysia was racing against time as the declining health of the workforce before retirement age becomes increasingly alarming.

He said the situation not only increases national healthcare costs, but also results in the loss of critical human capital at a time when the country is facing the challenges of an ageing population and a shrinking future workforce.

The situation, he added, is made worse by declining fertility rates, which are resulting in smaller family sizes and weakening traditional family support systems.

“When family sizes become smaller, the traditional support system of children caring for their parents will collapse.

“If this smaller generation also faces health problems or financial stress due to family medical costs, national productivity could be affected on a broader scale.

“Early screening for NCDs such as diabetes, hypertension and heart disease should be viewed as productivity insurance for the country so that workers remain healthy and able to contribute to the economy for a longer period, especially those aged between 45 and 55 who possess high levels of experience and skills.

“When skilled workers suffer complications such as strokes or require dialysis, the country loses experienced manpower that should be transferring knowledge and skills to the younger generation,” he said.

Adil said the public healthcare approach must shift from “sick care” to “healthcare”, with greater emphasis on prevention and early detection.

He said early screening could help reduce emergency hospital cases, allowing the country’s human and financial resources to be channelled towards health empowerment and disease prevention efforts instead.

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

المصدر: New Straits Times