There is a wide range of the most common diseases in Malaysia today, with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) dominating the list. NCDs are chronic conditions that do not result from acute infections but instead develop due to genetic, physiological, environmental, and behavioral factors.
These diseases cover various serious health conditions that, if left untreated, may lead to severe complications or even death. Below is a closer look at the most common diseases in Malaysia.
The Most Common Diseases in Malaysia
1. Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) includes several conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. In Malaysia, it has become one of the most serious health threats, especially among adults over 40 years old.
According to the Malaysian Ministry of Health, coronary heart disease is the most fatal CVD, contributing to 23.1% of total deaths in 2015. By 2020, it caused 18,526 deaths in Malaysia, rising further to 21,485 in 2021.
Stroke is another major CVD risk in Malaysia. In 2010, 11,943 deaths were attributed to stroke, which increased to 15,497 by 2014. Many patients remain unaware of the symptoms, leading to late treatment and high fatality rates.
2. Cancer
Cancer is another of the most common diseases in Malaysia, affecting people regardless of age or gender. In 2020, the Malaysian Ministry of Health reported 48,600 new cancer cases, with projections showing an increase to 66,500 by 2030.
Among men, the most common cancers are colorectal, lung, and bronchial cancers, often linked to lifestyle habits such as smoking or working in industrial environments. Lung cancer alone has claimed around 3,309 lives of Malaysians.
For women, breast cancer remains the most prevalent, taking 2,535 lives in 2014. Reports also show that about 5,000 Malaysian women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, making it a persistent public health concern in Malaysia.
3. Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus has become one of the leading causes of death in Malaysia. This condition occurs when the body cannot regulate blood sugar properly, leading to consistently high sugar levels. In 2010, diabetes caused 3,205 deaths, which increased to 4,760 by 2013.
The Malaysian Ministry of Health reported that in 2019, 18.3% of Malaysian adults were diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. It is a sharp rise from 11.2% in 2011. This alarming increase highlights the growing impact of lifestyle and dietary factors on public health.
4. Respiratory disease
Although not classified as noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), influenza, pneumonia, and chronic lung conditions remain among the most common diseases in Malaysia.
The data shows that influenza and pneumonia caused 9,417 deaths in 2010, rising sharply to 11,773 by 2014. Additionally, chronic lung diseases also saw a drastic surge, with fatalities increasing from 2,934 in 2010 to 6,797 in 2014.
Cause Factors
Behavioral factors
Malaysia faces high rates of tobacco smoking, with growing use of e-cigarettes and vapes, particularly among men and adolescents. In 2022, the WHO recorded that 22% of Malaysians aged 15 and above use tobacco. Moreover, unhealthy dietary habits, such as excessive salt and sugar intake, low physical activity levels (especially among females and certain groups), and harmful use of alcohol, also contribute significantly to disease burden.
Metabolic factors
High prevalence of raised blood glucose (diabetes), high blood pressure (hypertension), and high blood cholesterol continues to challenge Malaysia. According to the WHO, in 2019, the prevalence of hypertension among adults aged 30–79 years reached 40.8%. Alarmingly, more than half of affected individuals remain undiagnosed, leading to late treatment.
Environmental factors
Air pollution remains a pressing health issue, contributing to both respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. In 2019, the WHO recorded an age-standardized mortality rate of 80 deaths per 100,000 population due to household and ambient air pollution. High air pollution in cities and recurring haze from forest fires in Indonesia further worsen respiratory health.
Nutritional transition
A lifestyle shift toward foods with high sodium, sugar, and unhealthy fats has increased obesity and diet-related illnesses. It is recorded that adult obesity prevalence reached 22.1%, while 16.5% of children and adolescents (aged 5–19) were classified as obese in 2022.
Government Efforts to Tackle the Epidemic
In solving these health problems, the Malaysian government does not stay silent. Here are some efforts the government has made to tackle the most common diseases in Malaysia:
National Strategic Plan for NCDs (2016–2025)
This government plan has clear targets, including reducing premature mortality from NCDs by 25%, lowering tobacco use, cutting sodium intake, and promoting higher levels of physical activity among Malaysians.
Health System Reform
In 2023, Malaysia passed a comprehensive Health White Paper aimed at strengthening the health system. This reform focuses on restructuring primary health care, improving disease prevention, ensuring sustainable healthcare financing, and enhancing overall health governance.
Primary Health Care Programs
Public health clinics across Malaysia provide standardized services for NCD prevention and treatment, with the PeKa B40 program as a key initiative. It specifically supports low-income groups by offering free NCD screening and subsidized treatment.
Cancer-specific programme
National cancer programs emphasize prevention, early screening, vaccination, and treatment. These plans include boosting colorectal and cervical cancer screening rates and expanding HPV vaccination coverage in order to reduce future cancer burdens.
Tobacco Control Measures
Malaysia has ratified the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and enforced several policies. It includes banning smoking in public spaces, requiring graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, banning tobacco advertisements, and increasing tobacco taxes.
Understanding the most common diseases in Malaysia underscores the urgent need for stronger prevention. With combined efforts from the government and the people, these health challenges can be effectively addressed, paving the way toward a healthier future for Malaysia.
