Alongside the battle against infectious diseases like rabies, Sarawak is facing a growing concern in the form of non-communicable diseases (NCDs)—such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer—which continue to be a leading cause of death.
Statistics from 2023 reveal that cardiovascular diseases were responsible for 32.6% of all deaths in the state, reflecting broader trends across Malaysia.
Nevertheless, the Sarawak government is taking proactive measures to combat the impact of these diseases.
The NCD Burden in Sarawak
The rise in non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and hypertension, is responsible for a growing number of deaths in Sarawak.
In 2023, cardiovascular diseases were the most common cause of death in the state, reflecting a national trend.
As NCD cases continue to increase, addressing these health challenges has become an urgent focus for the government.
Although infectious diseases like rabies often make the headlines, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) pose long-term risks to public health.
These diseases are frequently connected to lifestyle behaviours like poor diet, inactivity, and smoking, highlighting the importance of prevention and public health education as central strategies in the government’s response.
Government Initiatives to Combat NCDs
In response to the growing burden of NCDs, the Sarawak government has implemented various programs designed to promote healthier living:
Health Education and Awareness
The government has initiated campaigns to raise awareness of the risks linked to poor eating habits, lack of exercise, and smoking.
These efforts are designed to emphasize the importance of exercise, balanced diets, and regular health screenings to catch diseases such as diabetes and hypertension in their early stages.
For example, on 2nd February 2025, a health screening and awareness campaign was organised by the Adventist Community Services and the Health Ministries Department of the Seventh-day Adventist Mission of Sarawak, in partnership with Klinik Pergigian Hospital Bau.
The main purpose was to provide essential health services and expert consultations to the community, empowering individuals to take ownership of their health.
Complimentary health services at the event included screenings, glucose testing, consultations, and dental care.
Attendees also received education on lifestyle diseases, prevention, and the importance of check-ups, with health literature available for purchase.
Additionally, Lions Club Kuching City launched a campaign, ‘Multiple District (MD) 308 Diabetes Awareness Campaign 2024’ and free fundoscopy screening, held at the Diabetes Malaysia Sarawak Branch Centre, which ran from December 2024 to January 2025.
The initiative features health screenings and educational discussions on diabetes prevention and management.
Promotion of Healthy Lifestyles
To address cardiovascular diseases, the government is promoting physical activity and nutritious eating habits.
Communities are encouraged to lead healthier lifestyles by taking part in sports events, joining fitness programs, and opting for healthier food choices in public venues.
In 2024, for World Heart Day, the Sarawak Heart Foundation organised numerous events for the public, such as the Walk-A-Mile event, as well as the senamrobics and dance activities at Reservoir Park, Kuching.
Early Detection and Intervention
Managing NCDs effectively depends on early detection and intervention.
The government has established routine health screenings to identify diseases such as diabetes and hypertension early, ensuring timely treatment and minimizing long-term health complications.
For example, in 2019, the Ministry of Health implemented the Skim Peduli Kesihatan (known as PeKa B40), which is supported by a network of partner providers, such as general practitioners, private labs, government clinics, and hospitals, who help deliver NCD screenings, health aids, incentives for finishing cancer treatment, and transport assistance for the B40 group.
Ensuring Healthcare Accessibility for All
The Sarawak government’s primary goal is to make affordable and effective healthcare accessible to all, particularly in rural and remote regions.
Mobile health clinics, subsidized treatments, and community health workers are vital in serving underserved populations.
The government aims to eliminate health disparities between urban and rural areas by guaranteeing that all individuals, regardless of their location or income, have access to healthcare services.
Focusing on the Road Ahead
As Sarawak tackles the dual challenges of infectious and non-communicable diseases, the government’s efforts to encourage prevention, early diagnosis, and better healthcare access are significantly shaping the health landscape.
Through unwavering commitment and a broad-based strategy, Sarawak is working to create a future where the health and well-being of all its citizens are safeguarded.
References:
- https://premierdept.sarawak.gov.my/web/subpage/news_view/8799/UKAS
- https://adventistsarawak.org/2025/02/11/gift-of-health-to-krokong-bau-promoting-wellness-through-community-health-screening/
- https://dayakdaily.com/preventing-heart-disease-joint-effort-vital-in-making-healthy-lifestyle-choices-accessible-to-all/
- https://www.theborneopost.com/2024/11/23/sarawak-facing-growing-challenges-as-diabetes-prevalence-soars-says-dr-sim/
- https://uniatf.who.int/docs/librariesprovider22/default-document-library/malaysia-ncd.pdf?sfvrsn=2da5da9c_2
- https://byjus.com/biology/examples-of-non-communicable-diseases/
- https://sarawakheartfoundation.org.my
- dosm.gov.my
- https://reszonics.com/reszon-diagnostics-partners-with-sarawak-infectious-disease-centre-sidc-to-reduce-burden-of-infectious-diseases/
