SHAH ALAM, Feb 9 — Selangor continues to strengthen efforts to curb the rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by focusing on prevention and early detection to protect public health and control escalating treatment costs.
State executive councillor for public health and the environment Jamaliah Jamaluddin said the increase in NCD cases not only affects the quality of life of the people, but also places a heavy burden on the state’s healthcare system.
“As such, Selangor’s health policy emphasises prevention, early screening, and health literacy through the implementation of various targeted initiatives,” she told Media Selangor.
Among the key measures is the Selangor Saring Programme, which offers free health screenings to detect diseases such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and kidney problems early on.
In addition, Bantuan Sihat Selangor is provided to help patients cover the cost of treatment, medical equipment and medication at government hospitals, particularly for cancer patients and those living with NCDs.
The state government has also implemented Iltizam Selangor Sihat to ensure eligible residents have access to basic healthcare services and vaccinations, thereby improving their overall well-being.
For children, the Anak Selangor Anak Sihat Programme provides Body Mass Index checks and free consultations to enable early detection of health, growth, and nutrition-related issues.
“This programme helps parents and guardians understand the importance of balanced nutrition and a healthy lifestyle from an early age,” Jamaliah said.
She added that preventive efforts have also been expanded to include senior citizens through free health screenings and community-level awareness campaigns on NCDs.
“Through this approach, the state government aims to achieve early disease detection, more effective treatment, and long-term healthcare cost savings,” Jamaliah said.
Meanwhile, the state government has also doubled the mental health allocation from RM700,000 to RM1.5 million this year to strengthen psychosocial support for the public.
The councillor noted that the allocation supports services like the SEHAT Helpline, subsidised psychiatric treatment, and SEHAT Hub counsellors who provide free weekly counselling sessions throughout Selangor.
A pilot mental health awareness programme for adolescents, through Peer Support Groups, will also be introduced in selected schools.
Previously, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said that Malaysia must shift from a treatment-focused approach to a preventive strategy, as the cost of managing NCDs is estimated to reach RM64.3 billion annually.
