Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer are no longer just a health issue in Malaysia as they are a significant national and economic threat. To address this rising crisis, the National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM) is hosting the inaugural Noncommunicable Diseases Malaysia (NCDM) Conference, taking place from 12th to 14th September 2025, at Taylor’s University.
Under the theme, “Reducing NCD Burden: A National Priority,” the conference seeks to address the growing burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in Malaysia and strengthen collective action by bringing together key stakeholders from healthcare, research, civil society, policy and industry.
This commitment is made more urgent by recent findings that highlights the scale of the challenge. Reports from ProtectHealth Corporation revealed that out of a total of 301,650 individuals that were screened through the Health Care Scheme for the B40 Group (PeKa B40) in 2024, nearly 70% of participants were found to have at least one NCD. Additionally, 25% were found to have two or more conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and obesity.
This mirrors a joint report from the Ministry of Health, the World Health Organisation (WHO), and the UN Inter-Agency Task Force (UNIATF) on NCDs, which found that NCDs account for 72% of all premature deaths in Malaysia. The report, “Prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases in Malaysia: The case for investment,” also highlights the immense economic cost, estimating that NCDs have cost the country RM64.2 billion, or 4.2% of its GDP.
“Noncommunicable diseases are a national development issue,” said Kol Bersekutu (PA) Professor Dr Murallitharan Munisamy, Managing Director of NCSM. “Through the NCDM conference, we aim to build sustainable solutions that prioritise prevention and improve access to care for all Malaysians by fostering stronger collaboration across government, healthcare, and the private sector.”
“The growing burden of noncommunicable diseases is one of the most pressing health and development challenges for Malaysia. Beyond the toll on individual lives, NCDs also place a heavy strain on our economy and health system. The Ministry of Health remains committed to tackling this crisis through prevention, early detection, and improved access to care. By working alongside partners such as the National Cancer Society of Malaysia, academia, civil society, and the private sector, we can build stronger, sustainable solutions that safeguard the health and productivity of our nation,” said YB Datuk Seri Haji Dr. Dzulkefly bin Ahmad, Minister of Health Malaysia.
The three-day conference focuses on three key themes designed to address key areas of NCD care:
- Day 1 explores the theme of “Prevention, Screening, and Early Detection”, emphasising the importance of proactive health measures to reduce the risk of NCDs before they progress.
- Day 2 focuses on “Treatment and Management of NCDs,” highlighting the latest clinical practices and integrated approaches to improve the quality of life for those living with NCDs.
- Day 3 highlights “Advocacy, Policy, and Collaboration,” featuring discussions on national strategies, resource mobilisation and cross-sector partnerships to fight NCDs.
The NCDM Conference 2025 features keynote addresses, panel discussions and abstract presentations, including lived experiences from NCD patients. The conference also serves as a platform to share best practices, foster partnerships and develop actionable recommendations that can shape Malaysia’s health policies in the years to come.
For more information on the Noncommunicable Diseases Malaysian (NCDM) Conference, please visit: https://ncdm.cancer.org.my/
