NON-Communicable Diseases (NCD) are estimated to have cost the Malaysian economy RM12.88 bil to date (high estimate) in terms of productivity losses arising from absenteeism, presenteeism or premature death in persons of working age.
The three NCD categories are namely cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer.
A report by the Health Ministry and the World Health Organisation (WHO) revealed that the direct health care costs from diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer in Malaysia exceed RM9.65 bil yearly based on 2017 data.
According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2019, it is estimated that one in five adult Malaysians are living with diabetes, one-third are living with hypertension, and half are overweight or obese.
Sunway University Economics Prof Dr Yeah Kim Leng expressed his fear over the long-term impact on the economy and the healthcare cost to the government.
He stressed that immediate action must be taken and that the government should move fast to impose the proposed sugar tax, adding that the government must also ensure that manufacturers and the food and beverage (F&B) sector adhered to the implementation of the tax.
“It will not be easy to wean Malaysians off their sweet tooth. Malaysia has one of the highest rates of obesity due to their habits,” Yeah told FocusM.
“Getting consumers to take less sugar is not going to happen overnight but the private sector slowly reducing the content of sugar in their products will be a start.”
Yeah pointed out a wholistic approach will be needed and it must involve the government, private sector and consumers as well as the changing of lifestyles.
Exercise and a healthy lifestyle is important, the government and employers must work hand in hand to encourage such activity as it will be beneficial to both sides in the long term, he stated.
It must also be realised that the B40 group is hardest hit by NCDs, Yeah warned, adding that this is because they may not be able to afford higher quality food and end up with cheaper alternatives that could lead to NCDs in the long term.
He also called on the government and private sector to promote regular health checks to ensure the B40 group are aware of their health condition and can take steps to remain healthy.
According to the economist, this will benefit the economy and reduce overall healthcare cost in the long term. – Sept 17, 2024
Main image: thesun.my
