23/05/2025

FRIDAY | MAY 23, 2025

3 Erectile dysfunction not age-specific

o Health Ministry data shows two in three Malaysians face risk of condition, with 31% involving individuals as young as 18

is commonly misdiagnosed or left untreated, he said. Datesh also raised the possibility of a post Covid-19 impact, citing increasing cases of ED and pelvic inflammation in men who had been infected with the virus. On early detection, he advised looking out for weaker morning erections, increased stimulation needed, reduced firmness during intercourse, lower libido and pelvic discomfort. These, he said may indicate circulation issues, hormone changes or inflammation. Datesh urged younger men to begin preventive care early. This includes routine exercise, quitting smoking, moderating alcohol, managing stress and not ignoring changes in libido or urinary symptoms. “ED is often a symptom of something deeper, whether physical, hormonal or psychological. The sooner it is addressed, the higher the chance of reversing it.”

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Zainal added that while older men typically experience ED due to physical conditions, the shift to younger age groups reflects changing societal and lifestyle pressures. Early signs include inconsistent erections, trouble maintaining arousal during intercourse, and reduced sexual desire. “These may seem temporary, but if they persist for weeks or months, they could point to a deeper issue,” Zainal said. He listed several risk factors contributing to the condition, including smoking, obesity, poor diet, diabetes, hypertension and sedentary lifestyles. A growing concern, he noted, is the psychological impact of widespread access to online pornography. Diet inactivity are also closely tied to ED risk. A high intake of saturated fats, sugar and processed foods leads to obesity and vascular problems, while lack of movement lowers

circulation, he said. Cultural reluctance to seek help, he added, remains a major obstacle. “Many men avoid talking about sexual health, rely on herbal remedies or delay seeing a doctor, which may worsen the condition.” Echoing similar concerns, Prince Court Medical Centre consultant urologist, Dr Datesh Daneshwar said younger patients now make up a notable portion of ED cases in Malaysia. “Poor diets, obesity, smoking, lack of exercise and diabetes all damage the blood vessels and nerves needed for healthy erections. These are increasingly present even in young adults.” A lesser known factor, he added, is chronic pelvic syndrome, a condition involving pelvic inflammation that affects the prostate and nerves. It often leads to urinary symptoms, pain and ED, but

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

mental stress as key contributing factors. Consultant urologist and robotic surgeon at Gleneagles Hospital Johor, Dr Zainal Adwin Zainal Abiddin said ED in younger men is now largely psychological rather than physical. Stress, anxiety, depression and performance pressure are among the main culprits. “Rising academic, career, and financial pressures, social media anxiety and the stigma of discussing emotions all contribute to ED among young men. “The issues were less openly acknowledged in previous decades but are now significant drivers.”

PETALING Erectile dysfunction (ED) is hitting Malaysian men younger than ever, with mental health struggles driving a surge in cases. Experts warn the condition is no longer confined to those over 40. Health Ministry data shows two in three Malaysian men face ED risk, with 31.6% of cases reported in men as young as 18 years old. theSun reached out to urologists to discuss the causes of ED, especially at younger ages, which they have pointed out is due to lifestyle choices, untreated health conditions and JAYA:

Plan ahead for road closures: PLUS KUALA LUMPUR: PLUS Malaysia Berhad is advising highway users to plan their journeys in advance due to a series of phased road closures in conjunction with the 46th Asean Summit. It said several stretches along its highways will be temporarily closed, following instructions from the police’s Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department to facilitate the movement of international delegates during the summit, Bernama reported. “Staggered road closures will begin today until Monday starting at 7am, and on Wednesday (May 28) at 8am,” it said in a statement. Routes affected include the stretch from KLIA to Putrajaya via the North-South Expressway Central Link (Elite), Subang to Jalan Duta via the New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE), and Sungai Buloh to Jalan Duta via the North-South Expressway. PLUS also urged motorists to follow the instructions of on-site traffic personnel and to use alternative routes to prevent congestion. For latest traffic updates, users may refer to the PLUS app, X @PLUSTrafik and the Variable Message Signs at selected highway locations, or use Google Maps and Waze for more efficient route planning. Move to split prosecutor, attorney-general roles KUALA LUMPUR: The government is studying and evaluating the proposed separation of roles of the attorney-general and public prosecutor, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said. She said a decision is expected before the next general election, Bernama reported. “If you are a prosecutor, sometimes you end up serving in that role for many years, as it is a specialised scheme requiring specialised knowledge. “We are conducting an empirical study and comparing our system with those of other countries to determine whether our prosecutors should be 100% dedicated to prosecution work. “I hope before the next general election, the govt will be able to decide on the matter,” she said adding that separation of roles is a complex matter involving several technical considerations. She was speaking at the launch of the AI Legal Justice Roadmap 2025–2026 & Peta Reformasi Institusi (PetaRI) yesterday.

LIFESAVING SKILLS ... Firefighters conducting a rescue demonstration during the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace exhibition 2025 yesterday. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

Urban transformation boost ahead of Asean Summit KUALA LUMPUR: The capital city has been ramping up its urban transformation initiatives ahead of the Asean Summit 2025 to strengthen its image as a progressive, clean, safe and competitive global city. In a statement, Kuala Lumpur City Hall said a wide range of cleaning, beautification, infrastructure and Community initiatives are also encouraged through “plogging” (jogging while picking up litter), held on the third Sunday of every month, involving residents, non-governmental organisations, students and local communities. seasonal flowers. A maintenance and building-cleaning campaign has also been launched, urging owners of premises in high traffic areas to repaint their buildings and maintain cleanliness. In line with the smart city approach, City Hall has established a Public Incident Operations Room that

According to City Hall, the upgrading and beautification of over 30 key areas in the capital is being carried out in phases, including the construction of walkways and road resurfacing, and is expected to be completed by the middle of the year. Key locations include Jalan Stesen Sentral, Jalan Tun Razak, Jalan P. Ramlee, Jalan Conlay and Jalan Bangsar, while greener elements are being introduced along Lebuhraya Mahameru, Jalan Parlimen and Dataran Merdeka with the planting of ornamental trees, evergreen tropical landscaping and

landscape upgrading initiatives have been aggressively implemented throughout the city. The measures include more frequent rubbish collection and street sweeping, along with the replacement of 224 old rubbish bins with modern ones. To create more sustainable spaces, 40 rubbish collection centres have been upgraded and decorated with murals, while daily “litter picker” teams are deployed to clean green areas along main routes.

functions as a central emergency response and monitoring coordination hub, supported by more than 5,000 closed-circuit television cameras across the city. “We are confident these efforts will not only enhance Kuala Lumpur’s profile as the host of Asean 2025, but also elevate the capital’s image as a progressive, sustainable and inclusive city, in line with Malaysia’s aspiration to be an exemplary Asean host.”– Bernama