15/04/2026

WEDNESDAY | APR 15, 2026

/thesuntelegram FOLLOW / Malaysian Paper

ON TELEGRAM m RAM

4

Over 200,000 civil servants begin work-from-home

Rising kidney failure cases strain national

healthcare system PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is facing a fast-escalating kidney failure crisis, with the cost of treating end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) surging six-fold over the past decade to RM3.3 billion annually, placing mounting pressure on the country’s healthcare system. MCA deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon said the sharp rise reflects a widening “silent epidemic” driven largely by non-communicable diseases, particularly diabetes mellitus and hypertension, adding that Malaysia must urgently shift its healthcare focus from treatment to prevention. “The most effective and sustainable solution is prevention. Greater emphasis must be placed on early intervention, including nationwide screening for high-risk groups and tighter control of diabetes and blood pressure.” He also said the expanded use of SGLT2 inhibitors (prescription medications) marks a positive step, noting that the treatment not only improves diabetes control, but also slows the progression of kidney disease. Mah said early detection efforts must be strengthened, with routine kidney function testing integrated into primary care, especially for high-risk patients. “Detecting chronic kidney disease (CKD) earlier could delay or even prevent progression to ESKD, reducing long term healthcare costs.” On Monday, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said CKD has become one of the most pressing health challenges facing Malaysians today. He said more than five million people in the country are estimated to be living with CKD, but only about 5% are aware of their condition. He added that the prevalence of CKD has risen significantly, from 9% in 2011 to 15.5% in 2025. He supported the Health Ministry’s “PD-first” approach, which prioritises peritoneal dialysis as a cost-effective option that could ease congestion in dialysis centres while offering patients greater independence. Peritoneal dialysis is a treatment in which fluid is put into the stomach area to clean waste and extra water from the blood using the body’s lining. However, he stressed that stronger patient education, improved home support systems and better incentives are needed to increase uptake. Mah said Malaysia must accelerate efforts to expand kidney transplant services, which is the most cost-effective long-term treatment option. “This requires boosting organ donation rates, strengthening transplant infrastructure, offering tax relief for donors and enhancing public awareness.” He added that financial protection for patients must not be overlooked, calling for targeted subsidies, transport assistance and low-interest financing schemes to ease the burden on families, particularly amid rising living costs. He highlighted the need for more sustainable healthcare practices, noting that dialysis, especially haemodialysis, consumes significant resources and generates substantial waste. “A comprehensive, prevention-first strategy is essential to safeguard public health and the long-term sustainability of Malaysia’s healthcare system.” – BY THE SUN TEAM

or defer them unless it is truly necessary.” In his address at the event, Shamsul underscored that the capacity to innovate has shifted from being an advantage to an absolute necessity for the public service. He called on civil servants to build a model of innovation rooted in Malaysian realities, arguing that the country possesses a strong domestic foundation from which to grow. “The public service is required to move with greater agility, adaptability and foresight in crafting solutions that are not merely responsive, but also capable of early prevention and long-term resilience.” Shamsul outlined a broad spectrum of innovation opportunities available to the public sector, highlighting the use of big data analytics to more accurately anticipate the needs of the public, as well as the comprehensive digitalisation of government services to accelerate delivery. “Innovation is not merely about creating new technology. It is also about renewing systems, improving processes and enhancing the wellbeing of the people.”

o Not all workers automatically qualify for arrangement, approval rests with department heads: Govt official

Ű THE SUN TEAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Shamsul moved to address concerns that allowing civil servants to work remotely could undermine the efficiency of public administration, expressing confidence that the workforce would remain productive and disciplined throughout the arrangement. “I am confident that civil servants will not simply lie around, sit back and rest, or go shopping at supermarkets during work-from-home hours.” He was equally firm that the policy should not be used as a pretext for delays or deferrals to existing programmes and commitments. “We cannot allow the implementation of work-from-home to become an excuse to slow down or postpone any programmes that have been scheduled. What we need to do is review those programmes to ensure they are in line with current cost-saving measures, and to not cancel

SHAH ALAM: More than 200,000 civil servants across Malaysia have begun a work-from-home arrangement, although eligibility remains subject to individual circumstances and approval from respective department heads. Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar confirmed the rollout after officiating at the Public Sector Innovation Programme, noting that not all civil servants would automatically qualify for the arrangement. “Not everyone will be involved. There are several factors we will take into consideration. Approval for work-from-home rests with department heads,” he told reporters on the sidelines of the event yesterday.

Financial aid disbursed to eligible students PUTRAJAYA: A total of 4,165 students from public higher education institutions and private higher education institutions have been identified as eligible to receive financial assistance under the IPT 5.0 programme after meeting the stipulated eligibility requirements. The Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (Mitra) yesterday announced that the disbursement of funds has begun in stages starting April 9 to approved recipients. “The full list of students will be uploaded through the official portal and Mitra social media pages.“ The programme is part of Mitra’s ongoing efforts to strengthen access to higher education among the Malaysian Indian community to ease their financial burden, especially at the initial stage of entry. The eligibility requirements set for aid recipients include being from B40 families, pursuing studies at the diploma and bachelor’s degree levels, being first-year students for the 2025/2026 Academic Session only and submitting complete application documents. Any questions regarding the programme can be directed to Mitra officers at 03-8886 6192 from 9am to 5pm on weekdays or the email spl@mitra.gov.my. Mitra emphasised its continued commitment to ensuring more inclusive and equitable educational opportunities, in line with efforts to produce competitive and highly skilled human capital. – Bernama

Ramanan said the

simultaneous celebrations reflect unity in diversity, cultural richness and shared spiritual renewal. – SYED AZAHAR SYED

OSMAN/ THESUN

Anwar shares Chithirai Puthandu, Vaisakhi and Vishu blessings

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has extended Chithirai New Year, Vaisakhi and Vishu greetings to the Tamil, Sikh and Malayalee communities in Malaysia, calling for continued unity and mutual respect in the country’s diversity. He expressed hope that the new year period would bring peace of mind, good health and blessings to all those celebrating. “In this spirit, let us continue to preserve unity with full awareness and responsibility so that Malaysia remains steadfast as a prosperous and harmonious nation. “The diversity we inherit is the foundation that binds us together in a shared bond, with a spirit of mutual respect, understanding and strengthening.” Chithirai Puthandu, Vaisakhi and Vishu—observed within days of each other—mark renewal, hope and fresh beginnings for the respective communities.

of the multiracial and multireligious Malaysian society.” He stressed that unity remains key to national progress. “With strong unity, Malaysia can stand majestically as a peaceful, inclusive and progressive country. The diversity we have is not a weakness, but the country’s greatest asset that needs to be preserved and celebrated together.” Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said Vaisakhi commemorates the birth of the Khalsa, rooted in values of courage, equality and determination to uphold truth, also symbolising identity and resilience within the Sikh community. Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said the simultaneous celebrations reflect unity in diversity, cultural richness and shared spiritual renewal. He said the occasion encourages renewed commitment to values while guiding the younger generation. – Bernama

National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said the occasion symbolises not only a new beginning, but also a chance to reinforce shared values, determination and unity among Malaysia’s multiracial society. He said the family institution remains central in shaping unity from an early age. “Children raised in an atmosphere of harmony will grow up as individuals who appreciate diversity. Every parent and family member plays an important role as early educators in shaping a generation with a big heart and high morals.” Aaron added that unity is built in everyday life, not only in public spaces. “Unity does not begin on the big stage but at the dining table, living room and in every daily interaction in the family, and when this value is instilled consistently, it becomes a strong foundation for the harmony