KUALA LUMPUR, November 21 – As World Diabetes Day is marked with the theme “Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps,” Malaysia faces a concerning rise in diabetes rates, especially Type 2 diabetes, now reaching epidemic levels. According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2023, 15.6 percent of Malaysian adults are diabetic, with a staggering 84 percent of younger adults aged 18-29 unaware of their condition. A sedentary lifestyle, poor dietary habits, and high obesity rates — now at 54.4 percent among adults — have significantly contributed to the increase.
In response, the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) is calling for urgent measures, including banning high-fructose corn syrup, revising labeling laws to reflect sugar content, and restricting junk food advertising, particularly near schools. CAP President Mohideen Abdul Kader emphasizes that immediate action is essential to curb the rising diabetes prevalence, prevent complications, and promote healthier lifestyles among Malaysians.
