Actif Calls For Prevention To Be At The Heart Of Malaysia S Healthcare Reforms

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THE Association of Certified Trainers in Fitness (ACTIF) has urged the government to place greater emphasis on prevention in the national healthcare agenda, stressing that tackling non-communicable diseases (NCDs) through healthier lifestyles is key to building a sustainable system for the future.
According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS 2023), nearly 29% of Malaysian adults are living with hypertension, one-in-three has high cholesterol and around 16% suffer from diabetes.
Alarmingly, more than 2.3 million Malaysians are now living with three or more of these conditions simultaneously.
The figures highlight an urgent need to focus on preventive measures alongside the government’s bold healthcare reforms, according to ACTIF president Mohd Husaini Mohd Yusoff.
“Malaysia is facing a serious NCD crisis that carries enormous social and economic implications,” stressed Mohd Husaini
Mohd Husaini Mohd Yusoff“The skyrocketing cost of healthcare – with medical inflation estimated at 15% in 2023 – makes prevention not just a health imperative but also an economic necessity.”
Husaini nevertheless welcomed the Health Ministry’s (MOH)recent reforms, including the introduction of the Diagnosis-Related Group (DRG) payment model, enhanced medical and health insurance schemes as well as steps to strengthen financing and digitalisation.
“These are critical and timely reforms that will make Malaysia’s healthcare system more resilient and future-ready. But unless prevention becomes a cornerstone of our strategy, we will continue to struggle with unsustainable costs and declining population health,” he added.


However, he contended that prevention cannot be achieved by government action alone but must feature as a shared responsibility.
“It requires collective effort. Policymakers must embed health promotion in schools, workplaces and communities,” opined Husaini.
“Grants and incentives should support programmes that encourage physical activity and healthier eating while urban planning must provide Malaysians with safe spaces to exercise and connect.
“At the same time, public campaigns must go beyond raising awareness to focus on motivation and empowerment, thus helping Malaysians believe that healthier choices are achievable and worthwhile.”
Husaini also emphasised the important role of the fitness industry and health educators.
“Trainers, fitness professionals and health educators are ready to play their part. But their contribution must be recognised and supported through policy, funding and collaboration,” he asserted.
“Only then can we create a strong culture of prevention that benefits all Malaysians.” –  Focus Malaysia

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