Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the situation reflects a growing financial burden on the country, in addition to having a significant impact on patients’ lives.

“In 2010, Malaysia spent RM572 million on treating end-stage CKD, but today the figure has risen to RM3.3 billion annually.

“This burden not only affects patients’ quality of life, but also places a very heavy financial strain on our country,” he said when officiating the National World Kidney Day 2026 observance at Wisma Majlis Bandaraya Shah Alam (MBSA) here today.

He added that the prevalence of CKD in Malaysia has also recorded a worrying increase, rising from nine per cent in 2011 to 15.5 per cent last year.

Elaborating further, he said that on average, 28 Malaysians are diagnosed with kidney failure each day and are forced to begin dialysis treatment to survive.

“More than five million Malaysians are currently living with CKD, but only five per cent are aware of it. If we fail to act decisively today, more than 106,000 Malaysians are expected to require dialysis treatment by 2040, a highly alarming figure,” he said.

In this regard, Dzulkefly said the government is also emphasising the importance of prevention to reduce the burden of the disease.

The main cause of kidney failure in Malaysia is complications from diabetes mellitus, and patients cannot rely solely on dialysis to overcome the crisis without addressing its root causes.

“The government has increased the sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) tax to 90 sen per litre effective Jan 1, 2025, as a measure to curb the main cause of the disease.

“Revenue from the excise duty on SSB in 2025 reached RM54.9 million, with RM21 million channelled back to the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH),” he said.

At the same time, he said that the funds are being used to finance treatment with Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, which can reduce the risk of CKD complications.

Earlier, Dzulkefly officiated the national-level World Kidney Day 2026 observance, organised by the National Kidney Foundation (NKF), which was also attended by Selangor Public Health and Environment Committee chairman Jamaliah Jamaluddin.

In another development, Jamaliah said the state government is strengthening public health efforts by focusing on kidney disease awareness campaigns, including expanding collaboration with NKF to enhance organ donation-related initiatives.

The collaboration, she said, is expected to combine aspects of health and environmental sustainability to address kidney disease, which is increasing every year.

In addition, Jamaliah said the state government is reviewing cooperation with the NKF to expand organ donation campaigns as one of the long-term solutions to kidney failure, and this move is expected to reduce reliance on dialysis, which places pressure on both patients and the healthcare system.

“Each session at the dialysis centre requires around 250 litres of water, so increasing organ donations can reduce the treatment burden.

“However, the rate of organ donation pledges is still low, and this is the main challenge, including situations where the wishes of donors are not respected by family members after death,” she said.

Elaborating, Jamaliah said her committee is assessing the need to expand kidney health screening programmes in the future, noting that there is no specific screening programme thus far.

She added that the state government is prepared to reassess kidney health policies in light of current trends in non-communicable diseases.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad said the government is preparing in case the West Asia conflict persists, including implementing medium- and long-term mitigation measures.

“For the immediate period until the end of June, we still have stable and sufficient stock. It’s not just government stockpiles; the industry also has its supplies. Essential medicines like insulin and vaccines must be shared,” he told reporters after the World Hearing Day 2026 celebration here today.

Dzulkefly acknowledged, however, that medicine and medical device costs have risen due to logistics, transport, and global oil price hikes.

“The cost of medicine has increased by around 30 to 40 per cent, while some medical devices have gone up between 50 and 100 per cent,” he said.

He said supply chain disruptions, including delays in medical device shipments since before March, have also pushed up prices.

As a result, he said the Ministry of Health (MOH) is discussing solutions with the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Economy, and Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living to determine the best way to manage the issue.

“Discussions include a cost pass-through mechanism and appropriate rates, either full or partial,” he said.

Dzulkefly assured the public that healthcare services will not be affected, and the government will continue taking necessary steps to manage supply disruption risks.

“We remain stable and in control, but we will take tighter measures to ensure no disruptions occur. We are looking at stricter steps to guarantee no supply-side disruption or shortage,” he said.

Source — Bernama

Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said this medium to long-term measure is part of a more robust strategy that also includes transitioning from raw resin materials to polymers for certain products.

He added that other long-term initiatives involve developing a national medicine security policy through MyMedSecure and empowering the local pharmaceutical and medical device industry.

“The global energy crisis not only affects oil and logistics, but also the supply of medicines and medical devices,” Akmal Nasrullah said during a national briefing broadcast live on television.

He explained that supply chain disruptions can cause shortages of essential raw materials like active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), petroleum, and ethylene oxide gas, thereby raising manufacturing and delivery costs.

For the short term, the government will implement a Special Access Pathway to ensure the supply of critical medicines and devices.

Other immediate measures include centralised monitoring of medicine stocks, diversifying import sources, activating emergency response plans, and designating certain items as controlled goods.

All these actions were discussed and agreed upon at a meeting of the National Economic Action Council (NEAC).

Regarding the impact of the crisis on the upcoming haj pilgrimage, Akmal Nasrullah assured that the government would ensure the safety of all 31,600 Malaysian pilgrims this year.

He stated that amid the uncertain global situation, the government will continue to act in an organised and holistic manner to safeguard the people, secure national strategic supplies, and maintain economic resilience.

“Our focus is to manage its effects, reduce its risks and ensure the people can get through this challenging period as best as possible,” he concluded.

Source: Bernama

The ministry said it has taken note of concerns raised in an FMT report titled “45 contract pharmacists in limbo as jobs end Saturday”, Bernama reported.

In a statement today, it said those affected may reapply when permanent positions are opened at the end of 2027.

They will be placed under a new entry grade of UF10, previously known as UF43, in line with the implementation of the Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA), which came into effect on Dec 1, 2024.

“This strategic realignment is an important step to strengthen the national health human resource system to be more equitable, transparent and competitive in the long term,” the statement said.

The ministry said any offer of permanent appointment is conditional.

“Appointment and placement letters will only be issued once candidates meet all stipulated criteria, including health clearance, statutory declarations as well as confirmed vacancies,” it said.

It noted that there are also cases where the officers involved are reserve candidates. As such, they must wait their turn for appointment based on current vacancies.

FMT had reported that up to 45 experienced contract pharmacists would lose their government jobs by last Saturday after failing to receive appointment letters, despite being offered permanent positions last October.

Aside from this group, which had served as contract officers for at least five years, another 40 will lose their jobs in July if the health ministry does not offer them permanent posts.

Former senator Dr RA Lingeswaran, who raised the matter in the Dewan Negara in October, said these officers were among 352 contract pharmacists offered permanent posts and told to wait for their appointment letters, with no dates given.

The health ministry had put 352 contract pharmacists on a waiting list for permanent positions.

“Of these, only 143 pharmacists still remain in service while 209 have quit for various reasons. Some told me they quit because of the undue delay and uncertain future,” Lingeswaran said.

Source : FMT

She said that based on hospital data last year, a total of 543 patients who attended the specialist psychiatric clinic were found to have substance addiction along with symptoms of mental disorders.

“For last year’s data, 31 cases were referred to the addiction clinic due to drug abuse issues coupled with mental health symptoms. These patients will receive treatment and are required to attend regular follow-up sessions,” she told Bernama recently.

For patients admitted to psychiatric wards, Dr Nik Lili said it is estimated that nearly half of them have issues related to drug and substance abuse.

According to her, most cases involve adults, but there are also cases among teenagers affected by the abuse of synthetic drugs such as ketamine, methamphetamine, Epam, as well as “mushroom” vape liquids.

Dr Nik Lili said that in certain cases, drug abuse can cause damage to brain function, especially if it occurs at a young age or involves substances, such as glue, that have toxic effects on the nervous system.

She added that the use of synthetic drugs such as methamphetamine, which can keep individuals awake for four to five days, may trigger psychotic episodes, including hallucinations and delusions.

On the perception that mental health patients caused by drug abuse no longer crave or remember the substances, she said this is not necessarily true.

“Some patients continue using drugs even while undergoing treatment. Addiction itself is a disease. When they fail to stop, mental health symptoms can worsen.

“In some cases, patients relapse by taking illicit substances to reduce symptoms such as anxiety or depression, but this ultimately worsens their mental health condition,” she said.

Dr Nik Lili said mental disorders related to drug use can occur at various stages, including while the individual is still using substances or during withdrawal phases.

“Whether a person can fully recover depends on the duration of use, type of drug, and other factors including family support and continuous treatment,” she said.

She advised the public to seek early treatment if they experience symptoms of mental health disorders and not to underestimate the impact of drug abuse on mental health.

Source: Bernama

Temperature readings reaching between 37 and 40 degrees Celsius prompted people to be more careful to avoid the adverse effects of extreme hot weather.

A resident, Mohd Sharudin Ahmad Sobri, 38, said he reduced outdoor activities and avoided exposure to hot weather unless necessary.

He said high temperatures can cause a feeling of fainting and are risky, especially when riding a motorcycle.

“If there is nothing to do, I spend more time at home. When I go out, my skin feels sore from the heat, and the current weather conditions feel hotter than before,” he said when met here today.

Meanwhile, Nur Suraya Johari, 27, said she now always carries an umbrella every time she goes out as protection from the sun.

“Sometimes I avoid leaving the house, especially with small children as I’m worried about their safety. In this situation, taking care of my health and drinking enough water is very important,” she said.

For sugarcane juice trader Mahdi Hassan, 46, the hot weather has given him a slight advantage as sales have increased compared to before.

“If previously the average sales were around 40 kilogrammes, now it has doubled to about 80 kilogrammes a day, but it usually sold out as early as 3 or 4 pm,” he said.

Yesterday, the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) announced that the entire Perlis, four districts in Kedah and one district in Perak had recorded a Level 2 heat wave, while 13 other areas in Peninsular Malaysia were at Level 1, which is on alert.

According to MetMalaysia, Level 2 is declared when the daily maximum temperature exceeds between 37 and 40 degrees Celsius for at least three consecutive days, while Level 1 refers to a daily maximum temperature between 35 and 37 degrees Celsius during the same period.

In Kedah, the four districts that recorded Level 2 are Kota Setar, Pokok Sena, Pendang and Baling, while Level 1 involves Padang Terap, Kubang Pasu, Pulau Langkawi, Kuala Muda, Sik, Kulim and Bandar Baharu.

Source: Bernama

In a statement on Monday (March 23), it assured the public that based on the current assessment of supply, the impact of the conflict in the Middle East in the short term is minimal.

“We (the ministry) keep between one and three months of medicine stocks at our facilities based on usage requirements.

“We are supported by an additional two-month buffer at the concessionaire level for medicines supplied through concession arrangements.

“Overall, monitoring of the domestic drug supply is carried out continuously through existing mechanisms, including the supply disruption reporting system from the Product Registration Holders (PRH) operated by the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA),” it read.

It said that as of Sunday (March 22), no increase has been detected in reports from PRH regarding supply interruptions.

“Feedback from the local pharmaceutical industry indicates that domestic manufacturers hold raw material stocks for up to three months and finished products for about two months.

“Importers are monitoring their respective supply chains as well.

“The ministry will continue to monitor the conflict in the Middle East.

“We are committed to proactive measures, including establishing a taskforce comprising pharmaceutical industry players and relevant stakeholders.

“This is to ensure the security of the medicine supply, particularly for items under the National Essential Medicines List (NEML),” it said.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said patients will be contacted by their respective hospitals on the new dates.

“For patients whose appointments fall on those public holidays, they will be contacted and given a new appointment date,” he said after launching the Cik Era initiative, a digital engagement effort aimed at supporting smokers who wish to quit.

Earlier today in Kota Kinabalu, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced an additional public holiday for Hari Raya Aidilfitri next week.

Anwar said if Hari Raya falls on Friday, the additional public holiday will be on Monday. However, should the holiday fall on Saturday, the additional holiday will be on Friday.

It was reported that the sighting of the Syawal new moon to determine the date of Hari Raya Aidilfitri will take place at 29 locations nationwide on March 19.

Meanwhile, Dzulkefly said government hospitals nationwide will continue operating as usual throughout the Hari Raya holidays.

“Operations at our hospitals will continue as usual, 24 hours a day. We work around the clock even during public holidays,” he said.

Dzulkefly said medical personnel scheduled for on-call duty would remain at work to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services.

He said monitoring of any health-related incidents that could potentially affect public health would continue throughout the festive period.

Dzulkefly said surveillance would be carried out by the Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre (CPRC) at both state and national levels to ensure the situation remains under control.

On the Cik Era initiative, he said it complements the JomQuit programme, which has recorded encouraging results since its introduction in 2015.

“Through JomQuit, we have recorded a smoking cessation success rate of about 58.5 per cent. A total of 2,476 clients have successfully quit smoking, which is an encouraging achievement,” he said.

Dzulkefly said Cik Era functions as a communication and support platform that accompanies smokers throughout their journey by providing guidance and follow-ups.

He said between Oct 13, 2024, and Feb 3, 2026, the initiative recorded 9,200 communications with clients, with 9,349 individuals registered under the programme.

“Out of this number, 4,858 consultations were carried out to support smokers in their effort to quit,” he said.

However, Dzulkefly said 1,434 people indicated they were not interested in continuing, while 3,056 could not be contacted, reflecting the challenges in maintaining engagement throughout the cessation process.

Consultant Nephrologist and Kidney Transplantation Physician at Sunway Medical Centre (SMC), Sunway City, Dr Rosnawati Yahya said many patients only discover their condition when kidney function has already declined substantially.

“The first three stages of CKD are usually asymptomatic. If you wait for symptoms, you are already late,” she said in a statement released in conjunction with World Kidney Day, observed on March 12.

She added that the majority of CKD cases are still driven by metabolic conditions like diabetes and hypertension, which affect men and women in fairly similar numbers.

Data from the Malaysian Dialysis and Transplant 2023 Registry shows diabetes accounts for 56 per cent of kidney failure cases, while hypertension contributes 30 per cent.

According to Dr Rosnawati, early symptoms of CKD are often overlooked because they resemble common conditions such as fatigue, hormonal changes or anaemia.

Among the signs are persistent tiredness, lethargy, frequent night-time urination, and swelling in the legs, ankles or face.

“Women often normalise these symptoms, assuming it is stress, ageing, or hormonal changes, instead of kidney disease,” she added.

She also cautioned that blood test readings may sometimes mask early kidney problems in women.

“Since women generally have less muscle than men, a ‘normal’ creatinine level might still mask early kidney issues. A reading of 90 may be fine for a large man, but in a petite woman it could signal reduced kidney reserve,” she explained.

Dr Rosnawati said systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) mainly affects women, with female-to-male ratios as high as 9:1, and kidney involvement remains more common among female patients.

She also pointed out that certain life stages, such as pregnancy and menopause, may increase long-term kidney risks.

Complications such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes may indicate underlying vascular or metabolic problems, increasing the risk of hypertension, proteinuria and CKD two to four times later in life.

“Additionally, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has emerged as a significant but under-recognised risk factor. It is closely linked to insulin resistance, obesity and metabolic syndrome. It can also lead to diabetes and high blood pressure earlier in life, both major causes of kidney damage over time,” she said.

Dr Rosnawati advised women, especially those with diabetes, hypertension, obesity, autoimmune diseases or pregnancy complications, to undergo regular screening.

She said three simple tests can help detect kidney disease early — a blood test for kidney function, a urine test for protein and a blood pressure check.

“Protein in the urine is one of the earliest signs of kidney damage. Early detection changes everything as there are many treatment options available. Our goal is preservation. If we can reduce kidney decline from 10 per cent a year to just two per cent, many patients may never need dialysis,” she said.

Source: Bernama

Although the Health Ministry has not made face masks mandatory, several people told the New Straits Times they had begun taking precautionary measures after learning about the increase in cases.

Observations along Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman found that while some wore face masks, the majority were not.

Shahril Omar, 55, a private-sector employee, said he became aware of the spike in TB cases during a tazkirah (sermon) at his local surau this morning.

Shahril, who has had relatives and friends diagnosed with TB, said there appeared to be limited public messaging encouraging mask use.

He also expressed concern for his Form One child, who has asthma, attending school without a mask, adding that he would soon ask the child to wear one.

“The Education Ministry has not made any announcements on mask-wearing either.

“But now that cases are increasing, we should start wearing masks, including at the surau during Tarawih prayers.

“My child should wear one at school too, especially if a classmate is coughing,” he said.

Arra Ramly, 30, a part-time worker at a clothing shop, said she learned about the cases through social media and has since begun wearing a face mask and using hand sanitiser regularly.

She said the country’s experience during Covid-19 had taught her the importance of taking early precautions.

“In situations like this, it is better to take precautions before it spreads to others. Wearing a face mask is one way to be careful, just like we did during Covid-19.

“We have already gone through lockdowns. So before it reaches that stage again because of TB, it is better to wear a mask as a precaution.

“It is not just about wearing a mask. We also need to take care of our health, personal hygiene and overall well-being,” she said.

Another retail assistant, who wished to be known only as Angah, 30, said she wears a mask when her shop becomes crowded and keeps a safe distance from customers.

“I found out about TB from the news. We have to be careful because it is dangerous and involves lives. I try to avoid crowded places.

“But I work in a shop and meet customers daily, so I keep my distance. If possible, we wear masks when it is crowded,” she said.

Muniandy Subramaniam, 52, a private-sector employee, said he now wears a mask and is paying closer attention to his health amid the rise in cases.

“I wear a face mask now because we can see what is happening in the country.

“I learned about TB during my regular medical check-ups. The doctors told us about it,” he said.

The Health Ministry recorded 596 TB cases in the sixth Epidemiological Week compared with 503 the previous week, bringing the nationwide total to 3,161 cases.

The ministry also encouraged the public to wear face masks, especially in crowded or poorly ventilated areas.

It said mask-wearing was encouraged for those experiencing fever, cough, cold or sore throat.

Meanwhile, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said 85 per cent of TB cases involved Malaysians, while 15 per cent involved foreigners.