17/09/2026

THURSDAY | SEPT 17, 2026

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Health screening: Don’t wait, just do it P ICTURE a typical Malaysian adult with no major medical history who feels perfectly fine, despite occasionally indulging in unhealthy lifestyle habits. Cost of NCDs The impact of these diseases is felt at every level of society. At the individual level, NCDs can significantly reduce a person’s quality of life. Patients may face frequent doctor appointments, daily medication regimens and treatment side effects. COMMENT by Dr Yeo Yee Han and Dr Muhammad Lokman Bahar

Perhaps they happen to check their blood pressure at a pharmacy and because the reading is normal, walk away with a false sense of reassurance. Convinced that their lifestyle is harmless, they skip routine routine health screenings. What they may not realise is that chronic diseases rarely develop overnight; they can take months or even years to emerge. Day after day, they could be living with undiagnosed hypertension or prediabetes without knowing it. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are long-term conditions that do not spread from person to person. They are often linked to behavioural risk factors such as smoking, unhealthy diets and physical inactivity. NCDs – particularly cardiovascular diseases, cancers and diabetes – are often described as “silent killers” because they can develop without obvious symptoms. By the time noticeable signs appear, serious or life-threatening complications may already have developed. The Health Ministry, through the Health White Paper, is emphasising a paradigm shift from “sick care” – treating diseases after they occur – towards proactive, preventive healthcare. Among the simplest and most effective measures are healthier lifestyle choices, self-monitoring and, above all, regular health screenings. Silent epidemic In today’s technology-driven era, life has become more convenient. Highly processed foods are readily available, physical activity is increasingly optional and everyday necessities are just a click away, delivered to our doorsteps. But this convenience comes with an invisible cost: fuelling a growing national burden of chronic diseases. The National Health and Morbidity Survey 2023 offers a sobering picture of Malaysians’ health. NCDs are a growing and largely preventable burden. More than half a million adults – about 2.5% of the adult population – are living with four major NCD related conditions simultaneously: diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia and obesity. Beyond physical health, mental health is another growing concern. The survey found that about one million Malaysians aged 16 and above – 4.6% of the population – are living with depression.

When diseases go undetected or untreated, they can progress to serious complications such as kidney failure, increasing the risk of premature death. Furthermore, patients bear hidden costs such as travel expenses, unpaid time off work and the emotional toll of living with illness. When a patient requires full-time care, the impact extends to the entire family, straining finances and placing a heavy emotional burden on the loved ones who support them. The national healthcare system also bears a heavy burden from the growing prevalence of NCDs. An increasing number of patients places greater pressure on public healthcare expenditure, requiring the government to allocate substantial resources for long-term medication, specialised equipment and expanded facilities. As demand rises, public clinics and hospitals can become more congested while healthcare providers face greater workloads and burnout. These pressures can, in turn, affect the quality and timeliness of patient care. Finally, the burden of NCDs extends to the wider economy. Malaysia faces significant productivity losses through both absenteeism and presenteeism. NCDs are no longer simply a healthcare issue; they also carry substantial economic costs. Why do we skip screenings? According to the NHMS 2023, two in five adults aged 18 and above reported not undergoing any form of health screening in the previous 12 months. Of these, 90% said they “felt healthy”, while 84% reported having no symptoms. This highlights a dangerous misconception: feeling well does not necessarily mean being healthy. With conditions such as high blood pressure and high blood sugar, people can feel perfectly fine while damage to their blood vessels and organs is developing silently. Health status must be assessed objectively through clinical screening, physical examinations and laboratory tests. By the time symptoms such as sudden chest pain or blurred vision appear, the underlying condition may already have progressed. What could have been detected and managed earlier can develop into serious, potentially life threatening complications. of dissatisfaction. Material possessions, by nature, offer only temporary pleasure. Over time, people adapt to what they have, and the initial excitement fades. This shows that external things alone cannot provide lasting happiness. In contrast, some of life’s most meaningful aspects are intangible. Relationships with family, friends and loved ones bring an emotional richness that no material possession can replace. A simple conversation, shared laughter or support during difficult times can leave a deeper and more lasting impact than any material gift. Human connection fulfils our fundamental need for belonging and understanding – something possessions cannot provide. Furthermore, personal growth and self discovery contribute significantly to a meaningful life. Experiences such as learning new skills, overcoming challenges and pursuing passions shape our identity and sense of purpose. These experiences often require time,

Through the National Health Screening Initiative, citizens can easily access free check-ups at government clinics, covering everything from blood pressure and cholesterol to comprehensive cancer risk assessments. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

Targeted screenings, including Pap smears, clinical breast exams and faecal immunochemical tests for colorectal cancer, are readily available. For lower-income groups, the PeKa B40 scheme helps remove financial barriers by subsidising screenings, health aids and transport incentives. Furthermore, initiatives such as “Let’s Talk” aim to make mental health support more accessible and reduce stigma at the primary care level. The tools are available; we need to use them. A doctor’s visit should become routine for the healthy, not a last resort for the sick. Early detection can mean the difference between simple lifestyle changes and managing serious, potentially life-threatening complications. Book your screening through MySejahtera or visit your nearest clinic. Health is not merely the absence of symptoms; it is also about proactively protecting your future. Don’t wait for a wake-up call. Dr Yeo Yee Han and Dr Muhammad Lokman Bahar are public health candidates at Universiti Malaysia Sabah. Comments: letters@thesundaily.com they already have. In contrast, practising gratitude helps people recognise the value of life’s simple blessings – good health, meaningful relationships and everyday moments. This does not mean possessions are inherently bad. Basic needs such as food, shelter and security are essential, while certain comforts can improve our quality of life. However, problems arise when possessions become the primary measure of success or the ultimate goal in life. In conclusion, life’s true richness lies not in what we own but in how we live. Relationships, personal growth, purpose and gratitude create a deeper and more enduring sense of fulfilment than material abundance ever can. By shifting our focus from accumulation to appreciation, we can lead more meaningful and satisfying lives.

Furthermore, 39% of respondents cited “time constraints”. Many are too busy with work to spare a few hours for a blood test. Yet, a morning at the clinic is a small inconvenience compared with the potentially life-altering consequences of a stroke or heart attack. Then there is the psychological fear of bad news. Some avoid doctors because they fear a diagnosis that could disrupt their lifestyle and peace of mind. They see health screenings as a source of bad news rather than a vital tool for early detection, prevention and informed action. People still resist mental health assessments because the fear of being judged by their own communities prevents thousands from taking that crucial first step towards getting help. Healthcare safety net Malaysia does not lack preventive healthcare infrastructure; we lack the collective will to use it. The government has established a safety net to detect diseases before they become critical. Through the National Health Screening Initiative, citizens can access free check-ups at government clinics, covering blood pressure, cholesterol and cancer risk. effort and courage rather than wealth. A person who invests in personal growth develops confidence, resilience and wisdom – qualities that can be far more valuable than material wealth. Another important dimension is purpose. People who dedicate themselves to meaningful goals – whether helping others, creating art or contributing to society – often find a greater sense of fulfilment. Purpose gives life direction and meaning. It shifts the focus from “What do I own?” to “What do I contribute?” This change in perspective can lead to deeper satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment that possessions alone cannot provide. Additionally, an excessive focus on material possessions can contribute to stress, debt and unhealthy competition. People may compare themselves with others and feel inadequate if they lack certain material possessions. Such comparisons can erode self worth and distract them from appreciating what

Finding true richness beyond material wealth

LETTERS

letters@thesundaily.com

THE statement, “life does not consist in an abundance of possessions”, challenges a deeply rooted belief in modern society – that happiness and success are measured by material wealth. While possessions can provide comfort, security and even temporary satisfaction, they do not define the true essence of life. Instead, meaning is found in relationships, personal growth, purpose and inner contentment. In many parts of the world today, consumer culture encourages people to accumulate more – bigger homes, newer gadgets and luxury goods. Advertising often equates ownership with status and fulfilment. Yet, this pursuit can become endless. Once one desire is satisfied, another quickly takes its place, creating a cycle

K. C. Liong Seremban