05/03/2025

WEDNESDAY | MAR 5, 2025

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‘Invisible’ danger posed by sleep deprivation

‘Only registered doctors can diagnose mental health issues’ KUALA LUMPUR: Only qualified medical practitioners registered with the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) are authorised to diagnose mental health disorders, in accordance with Malaysia’s medical regulations and ethics, said Health Deputy Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni. He added that such doctors include psychiatrists who specialise in mental health as well as other competent medical officers trained to assess psychological conditions. “The diagnostic process involves a comprehensive evaluation of a patient’s medical history, symptoms and biological, psychological and social factors,” he said in the Dewan Negara on Monday. He added that only MMC-recognised medical practitioners have the legal authority to issue a diagnosis, ensuring accuracy and safety in the treatment provided. Lukanisman was replying to Senator Datuk C. Sivaraj, who sought clarification on how the Health Ministry and relevant agencies prevent the misuse of mental health diagnoses within the legal system. – Bernama Domestic violence cases surge to 7,100 KUALA LUMPUR: The number of domestic violence cases recorded by police rose to 7,116 in 2024, compared with 5,507 in 2023. Women, Family and Community Development Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad said due to the increase, the need to amend the Domestic Violence Act 1994 and other related legislation will be reviewed periodically to strengthen legal enforcement and control measures. “At present, the ministry is focusing on managing domestic violence cases through strategic cooperation with government agencies and non-governmental organisations via the establishment of the National Domestic Violence Committee. “This committee plays a vital role in coordinating and monitoring issues and initiatives related to domestic violence holistically and comprehensively. This includes analysing case data, advocacy efforts, protection assistance, support services and self-empowerment,” she said. Noraini was replying to Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun (PH-Port Dickson), who asked whether the ministry planned to introduce legal amendments to enhance protection for domestic violence victims. – Bernama

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o Condition causes loss of consciousness for mere seconds, but could result in catastrophic consequences for motorists

Baling, in which an elderly man collapsed and died on the first day of Ramadan, he reiterated the need for accessible emergency contacts. Police investigations ruled out criminal elements and the case has been classified as “sudden death”. Dzulkefly urged the public to take precautions while visiting Ramadan bazaars, especially with the unusually hot weather. He advised elderly individuals and children to limit heat exposure and protect themselves by wearing hats or using umbrellas. – Bernama approaching, Louis reminded Malaysians that road safety is not just about responsible driving but also about getting enough sleep. “You can delay a journey, but you cannot bring back a lost life. If you feel drowsy, pull over, rest and only drive when fully alert. “Even if you are well-rested, other drivers may not be. Stay vigilant and be aware of your surroundings. Reaction time is crucial as one mistake caused by microsleep could be fatal,” he added. involving machinery. “Lack of sleep increases negligence, which could lead to severe injuries, such as hands getting caught in machines. Prioritising sleep is crucial for workplace safety,” he said. To avoid fatigue-related incidents, he stressed the need for a proper sleep schedule. “Eight hours of sleep is important, but the timing of sleep is equally crucial. The most ideal time to sleep is 9pm. If you sleep at 9pm, your body will naturally wake up at about 3am. “Even if you only sleep for six hours, the quality of that sleep can be equivalent to nine hours. Between 9pm and 11pm, the body produces essential hormones that regulate sleep. Sleeping after midnight results in lower-quality rest,” he added. Louis urged motorists to recognise signs of extreme fatigue, including frequent yawning, heavy eyelids, difficulty remembering the last few kilometres covered and momentary lapses in concentration. He advised drivers to pull over and rest if they experience any of these symptoms. “There is no shame in taking a break. If your body is telling you to stop, listen to it. Do not try to push through exhaustion. If you tend to experience microsleep often, play loud music, avoid driving alone and have a passenger engage in conversation to keep your mind alert. “Avoid taking drowsiness inducing medication before driving. If you must take such medication, refrain from getting behind the wheel,” he said. With Hari Raya travel

PETALING Sleep deprivation and fatigue are silent but deadly risks that many underestimate, leading to road crashes, workplace incidents and long-term health issues. During Ramadan, some individuals may face an even greater risk of sleep deprivation due to changes in meal times and work schedules. Malaysia Sleep Apnea Association president Prof Dr Louis Adaikalam told theSun sleep deprivation and fatigue are among the biggest global health threats, yet many people do not take seriously their sleep quality, quantity and consistency. A Nielsen survey found that nine out of 10 Malaysians suffer from sleep loss or at least one sleep disorder. “Many illnesses affecting JAYA:

unconsciousness lasting from one to 30 seconds, making it particularly dangerous for drivers. “When the body is severely fatigued, the brain momentarily shuts down, even if the eyes remain open. “Fatigue is especially dangerous on highways, where the monotonous driving environment can lull drivers into drowsiness. Microsleep can happen without warning and the consequences can be deadly,” Louis said. He warned that sleep deprivation is not only a risk on the road but also at workplaces, especially in factories or jobs

Malaysians today can be linked to a lack of sleep. “Lifestyle changes and social media use negatively impact health, safety, well-being and productivity, not just in Malaysia but globally,” he said. “When you are sleep-deprived, you become more vulnerable to diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, cardiovascular conditions and mental health disorders.” He also warned about the rise in road crashes, as disruptions in sleep cycles increase exhaustion and microsleep episodes. Microsleep is a brief and involuntary state of

FREE RAMADAN FARE ... A volunteer distributing bubur lambuk to the public at Masjid Kampung Baru in Kuala Lumpur. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

Health Ministry takes measures to address medical inflation PUTRAJAYA: The Health Ministry has taken aggressive measures to address medical inflation, which has led to rising health insurance premiums. response during emergencies. “They should display emergency contact numbers at bazaar locations so that assistance can be sought immediately when needed.”

He was speaking at a press conference after the Presint 3 Ramadan bazaar walkabout event and the launch of a WhatsApp hotline for food premises cleanliness complaints on Monday. Dzulkefly said the DRG implementation is expected to enhance transparency in patient treatment charges, which will help control rising medical costs, a key factor behind increasing health insurance premiums. “Hopefully, we can implement DRG alongside another initiative,

which is the display of medicine prices. Hospitals have already accepted this. As for private general practitioner clinics, they are requesting a moratorium, possibly for another month or two,” he said. Dzulkefly added that displaying medicine prices will allow insurance companies to assess actual treatment costs more accurately, potentially lowering health insurance premiums. Meanwhile, local authorities have been urged to display emergency contact numbers at Ramadan bazaar locations to ensure immediate

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad expects the issue to be resolved soon, stating that it remains a work in progress. “We will address this issue not just through the DRG (Diagnosis-Related Group) approach as it is not a ‘silver bullet’ to solving medical cost inflation. More importantly, we will take a multi-pronged approach,” he said.

Dzulkefly stressed the importance of quick emergency calls in saving lives, adding that while emergency units have yet to be established at 1,292 bazaar sites nationwide, having emergency numbers displayed is crucial for addressing unforeseen incidents. Following an incident at the Taman Seri Harapan Ramadan bazaar in