According to Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, Penangites appear to be slightly heavier than the average Malaysian.
He noted that overweight and obesity rates in Penang stand at 56.5%, surpassing the national figure of 54.4%.
“High cholesterol is also more prevalent in Penang at 37.4% compared to 33.3% nationally, and high blood pressure affects 35.4% of Penang residents, exceeding the national rate of 29.2%.”
Meanwhile, findings from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023 showed the prevalence of non-communicable diseases in Penang is above the national average.
Diabetes affects 20.5% of Penang’s adult population, 4.9% higher than the national rate of 15.6%, with nearly 8% (7.7%) unaware of their condition.
Additionally, Dzulkefly highlighted that an ageing population presents another challenge, with Malaysia projected to reach aged nation status by 2035, when 15% of the population will be 60 years or older.
He stressed the importance of promoting a culture of healthy living to reduce the risk of chronic diseases later in life and ensure a healthier aging process.
In 2024, seniors aged 60 and above made up 11.6% (3.9 million) of the total population.
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Also read: “M’sians are getting fatter!” – 1 in 2 M’sians are Obese & Overweight, KKM Warns to Act Now!
