SHAH ALAM, June 3 — Long hours in traffic, a full day at the office, and depending on quick, convenient meals have become commonplace for many in Selangor, as fast-paced urban living leaves little room for healthier choices.
Health experts say this reflects a broader trend, with the state’s rapid urbanisation taking a growing toll on public health as unhealthy lifestyles and high stress levels become more widespread.
They warn that without stronger education, preventive measures and systemic support, Selangor could face a growing burden of chronic diseases and mental health issues, despite its relatively advanced healthcare system.
Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh, a Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) medical lecturer, said the state’s development has brought about lifestyle challenges that are contributing to more non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
“With so many eatery options, unhealthy eating habits have become increasingly apparent. Foods such as fast and processed food are also heavily marketed and consumed.
“Most of the population also do not exercise as they are too consumed with work demands and targets. All this contributes to unhealthy diets, lifestyle and the rise of NCDs,” she told Media Selangor.
Dr Sharifa said tackling this issue requires both policy measures and behavioural changes, including better nutrition awareness and healthier work environments.
Among other things, she said consumers should be aware of their calorie intake and adopt healthier habits by reducing sugar, salt and oil consumption, adding that workplaces should encourage practices such as walking and maintaining a healthy body mass index.
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences’ Assoc Prof Dr Aidalina Mahmud said unhealthy habits in Selangor are not mere individual choices, but shaped by the urban environment.
“Long commute hours, desk-based work, and easy access to inexpensive, calorie-dense food make unhealthy choices the default rather than the exception,” she said.
She added that efforts to improve public health must go beyond advising individuals and instead focus on creating supportive environments, adding that residents should prioritise regular physical activity, mindful eating, and periodic screening.
“The more important shift is recognising that effective prevention requires supportive environments, such as walkable communities, healthier food options, and workplace cultures that allow time for health. Advice alone has limited impact.”
Mental health burden
Apart from physical health, both experts highlighted the growing impact of chronic stress on mental well-being, linked to urban living.
Dr Sharifa said factors such as financial pressure, demanding work and study environments, and traffic congestion are contributing to a declining quality of life.
Meanwhile, Dr Aidalina said stress in urban settings is often cumulative and normalised, but carries serious consequences.
“Urban stress in Selangor is less about isolated events and more about chronic, cumulative pressure. This form of stress is often invisible but has significant consequences for mental health,” she explained.
According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2023, 4.6 per cent, or about one million Malaysians aged 16 and above, have experienced depression, about double the figure reported in 2019.
Almost half of the people surveyed reported having thoughts about self-harm or suicide, while one in six children in Malaysia suffer from mental health problems.
Separately, a 2023 report by Khazanah Research Institute (KRI) titled Malaysian Public Health System: Mental Health Resources, showed that poor mental health among employees also has wide adverse effects.
In 2018, a study by RELATE Malaysia estimated that mental health issues in the workplace cost the economy RM14.46 billion, driven by absenteeism (RM3.28 billion), presenteeism (RM9.84 billion), and staff turnover (RM1.34 billion).
Dr Aidalina said improving mental well-being requires practical interventions beyond awareness campaigns, including accessible counselling, better workplace policies and stronger community support systems.
“There needs to be practical support. It is unrealistic to expect individuals to manage structural stressors without broader system support.”
Commenting on healthcare access, both experts said that while Selangor has extensive facilities, disparities remain between public and private services.
Dr Aidalina said the system currently reflects a two-tier experience, where public facilities face congestion while private care remains too costly for many.
Dr Sharifa added that improving health outcomes will require stronger public awareness and consistent engagement with healthcare providers, including regular screenings and preventive care.
