28/09/2025

NATIONAL 3 theSun on Sunday SEPT 28, 2025

National Senior Citizens Action Plan to be unveiled on Oct 5

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will unveil the National Senior Citizens Action Plan 2026– 2030 on Oct 5 in conjunction with the National Senior Citizens Day celebration, a move aimed at preparing the nation for its rapid transition into an aged society. Social Welfare Department deputy director-general Rosmahwati Ishak said the plan would serve as a comprehensive roadmap to safeguard the dignity, security and well-being of elderly Malaysians. “It will expand awareness programmes on ageing issues, the rights of senior citizens and the responsibilities of children,” she said at the Living Your Golden Years: Leaving No Malaysian Behind Forum and Exhibition 2025 yesterday. She also said the Economy Ministry is Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

IJN: Cardiovascular deaths preventable with healthy habits PETALING JAYA: Heart disease may be the nation’s number one silent killer but it is also one that Malaysians can prevent if they make the right choices, said National Heart Institute (IJN) deputy CEO Datuk Akmal Arief Mohamed Fauzi. He said public awareness and healthy habits are crucial in reducing cardiovascular deaths. “Heart disease is still the number one killer in Malaysia and the Southeast Asian region as well. “As the National Heart Institute, our role goes beyond providing the best treatments as education and preventive measures are equally important,” he said at the launch of IJN’s World Heart Day 2025 celebration at The Curve in Mutiara Damansara yesterday. He said poor diet and smoking remain the biggest obstacles. “When we talk about awareness, it involves habits and behaviours that people can actually change. Unfortunately, some individuals may not see the value of healthy living until it is too late.” He said IJN had introduced initiatives such as its Quit Smoking Clinic and community outreach efforts to encourage healthier lifestyles. “Practise a healthy lifestyle daily and do not hesitate to come to the National Heart Institute for advice and support,” he said, urging Malaysians to take advantage of free screenings and preventive services. “Our hope is that the public will continue to participate in programmes like these.” The five-day event, themed “It’s Not Just a Game, It’s About Your Heart!”, runs from Sept 24 to 28 and features free heart screenings, CPR demonstrations, children activities and fitness challenges. Akmal said the programme has already attracted more than a thousand visitors. “Our mission is to sustain the National Heart Institute’s role as a leading cardiovascular centre in the region. Together with all stakeholders, we will continue raising awareness, promoting prevention and delivering the latest treatments and procedures for the benefit of all Malaysians.” – By Harith Kamal submitted to the Cabinet. The ministry is also working on a Care Industry Framework, supported by a National Care Conference later this year. Third Age Media Association founding president and Malaysian Coalition on Ageing chairman Cheah Tuck Wing called for stronger laws, more funding and support systems to ensure that elderly adults with mental health issues are not left behind. He said Malaysia has only 60 geriatric specialists, one for every 40,000 people above 65, and just 623 psychiatrists nationwide, far below the WHO recommendation of 1:10,000. “Mental illness among the elderly often goes unnoticed and untreated, increasing the risk of depression, dementia and even suicide. Access to care delivered with compassion and patience should not be the exception but the norm.”

of those closest to them, leaving them hurt, isolated and silenced.” She urged Malaysians to confront the stigma and speak openly about the challenges faced by aged individuals. “No one should feel invisible, unheard or unprotected. One of the most pressing issues today is abuse of the elderly, whether physical, emotional, financial or through neglect. “This happens sometimes even in hospitals or public spaces. Such acts are not only morally unacceptable but demand stronger legal redress.” Women, Family and Community Development Ministry under-secretary (Policy and Strategic Planning Division) Asmar Asmadi Abdullah Sani said consultations were still ongoing with ministries, agencies and state governments on the Senior Citizen Bill before it is

drawing up a national agenda on ageing, focusing on medium and long-term socio-economic measures to address the challenges of an ageing population. She added that by 2030, 15% of Malaysians would be 60 and above, placing the nation in the “aged” category. Rosmahwati said the shift is more than just numbers. “Our older persons are the pillars of wisdom, the keepers of culture and the storytellers of our nation’s history. It is our duty as a society to ensure that they live not in fear or neglect but in peace, safety and happiness.” She said many seniors continue to endure a silent struggle, pointing out that domestic violence is not confined to women and children. “Some of our elderly suffer physical, emotional and financial abuse at the hands

Heart disease increasingly affecting younger M’sians

Poor diet, sedentary lifestyles, stress, obesity, diabetes and high cholesterol among main causes

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Once seen as an illness of the elderly, heart disease is now affecting Malaysians in their 30s and 40s or those even younger, doctors warn ahead of World Heart Day on Monday. Pantai Hospital consultant cardiologist Dr Muhammad Imran Abdul Hafidz said the trend is deeply worrying, with younger patients turning up suffering from blocked arteries. “Our modern lifestyle has made heart disease a young person’s illness,” he told theSun . “The main causes are poor diet, sedentary lifestyles, stress, obesity and the early onset of diabetes and high cholesterol. Vaping, irregular sleep and long working hours only add to the problem.” He said the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2023 found that one in three Malaysian adults has hypertension, one in three has high cholesterol and one in five lives with diabetes. “Yet more than half remain undiagnosed, although I suspect these numbers are an underestimation.” Muhammad Imran cautioned against the common but dangerous belief that “no symptoms” means “no problem”. “Many think they’re fine simply because they feel well. Unfortunately, this is a dangerous misconception. These conditions are silent for years, and by the time symptoms appear, the heart, brain or kidneys may already be damaged.” He said too often, patients only seek help after suffering a heart attack or stroke. “Screening is delayed because people fear bad news, are too busy and think they’re too young. Some worry about costs. But by the time they reach us, the disease is advanced and the chance for prevention is gone. “Even small, everyday habits silently raise long-term risks. “Sugary drinks, constant snacking, long hours of sitting, poor sleep and unmanaged stress all contribute. Skipping annual check-ups or stopping medications too soon also worsens risks.

Heart disease now commonly affects Malaysians in their 30s and 40s. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

She called for affordable access to healthy food and more workplace, school and community-based physical activity programmes. “Controlling sweetened foods and drinks is critical. Taxes, restrictions and bans could help curb unhealthy consumption and reduce non communicable diseases. “Pollution and microplastics worsen health risks. Air quality and particulate matter must be controlled. “Influencers and content creators on TikTok, Facebook and X should also use their reach to spread health awareness. “Malaysians are fortunate to have food abundance but this becomes harmful when it’s not balanced with exercise. More efforts are needed to promote optimal body weight and healthy living.”

“Don’t wait for symptoms. Know your numbers – your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar. “Heart disease is largely preventable but only if we act early. Prevention remains the best treatment.” Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia public health medicine specialist Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh said while lifestyle choices are crucial, systemic gaps also fuel the nation’s heart disease crisis. “Treatment is highly subsidised in the public system, so people often take their health for granted. “At the same time, some face barriers such as cost, distance or long waits at overburdened clinics. “Others are reluctant to seek care or don’t stick to their medication even after being diagnosed.”