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According to Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, the answer is a clear and concerning yes
In his written reply to Senator Datuk Seri Vell Paari Samy Vellu in the Dewan Negara yesterday, 9 September, Dr Dzulkefly shared statistics from Malaysia's National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023.
The data revealed significant health disparities, with the adult Indian Malaysians facing a higher burden of several major non-communicable diseases and mental health conditions compared to the national average.
The numbers paint a stark picture of their increased risk
- Diabetes: The risk is substantially higher, with a prevalence of 26.4% in the Indian Malaysian community compared to the 15.6% national average.
- Obesity: The rate among Indian Malaysian adults is 28.6%, which is considerably higher than the national figure of 21.8%.
- Depression: The community experiences a higher rate of depression at 6.9%, while the national prevalence stands at 4.6%.
- Hypertension: At 29.7%, the rate is slightly elevated compared to the national average of 29.2%.
- High Cholesterol: Affects 33.8% of Indian Malaysians, closely mirroring the national prevalence of 33.5%.
A critical part of this risk is the "hidden" danger of unawareness.
The survey, according to Dr Dzulkefly, found that within the community, 5.6% are unaware they have diabetes, 7.4% are unaware of their hypertension, and 12.6% don't know they have high cholesterol.
In his reply, Dr Dzulkefly stressed that the ministry is implementing a coordinated, whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to tackle these issues through prevention and early intervention
He assured that these efforts are designed to be inclusive and benefit every Malaysian, regardless of their background.
"These initiatives are carried out for the benefit of all Malaysians, regardless of race, including the Indian community, which faces the burden of non-communicable diseases and mental health issues," he said, as reported by the New Straits Times.
