Dr Mohammed Azman
IN higher education, emphasis is largely placed on equipping students with future-ready skills, such as digital literacy, communication and problem-solving.
However, one critical area that urgently demands more attention is personal health and wellness education.
Following the release of the findings from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2024: Nutrition on April 24 – showing that much more needs to be done to encourage Malaysians to adopt a healthy lifestyle (see infographic) – stakeholders are calling on higher education providers to treat health and wellness as essential life skills – on par with career readiness.
Tertiary students – many of whom will be entering high-pressure workplaces – need to be equipped not just for jobs, but for sustainable, healthy lifestyles, they say.
Citing a study presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Malaga, Spain, in May, Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Dr Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed said the ages between 17 and 30 are considered the most critical phase of life.
“If any of these teenagers or young adults are diagnosed with obesity, the risk of premature death increases by 79% for men and 84% for women.
“This grim consequence contrasts with the outcomes of those who lead a healthy lifestyle and remain free from obesity until the age of 60,” he told StarEdu.
Pointing to PERKESO data, he added that the average age of Malaysian workers affected by non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is getting younger, prompting them to ask for social security support as their livelihoods are impacted significantly.
“The number of workers in their thirties requesting benefits has surged over the past decade – from 260 individuals in 2014 to 537 in 2024 – marking a 107% increase.
“A similar pattern is also seen in debilitating NCDs such as stroke, diabetes and heart diseases,” he said.
He also noted that of the more than 40,000 new invalidity applications PERKESO receives every year – from workers claiming to be totally incapacitated – nearly half are due to NCD complications.
“Sadly, the proportion of applicants under the age of 50 is also increasing,” he added.
Dr Mohammed Azman, a medical doctor by training, said that while students may be more physically active and healthier in their youth, they are vulnerable to developing unhealthy habits that can persist throughout their lives.
“Therefore, it is paramount for higher education institutions (HEIs) to promote healthier lifestyles and discourage unhealthy habits within their environment. This includes offering healthier meals at campus cafés, avoiding the use of sugar in drinks, and normalising vending machines that provide only healthy options – and most importantly, making sure these choices are easy and inexpensive.
“Unhealthy habits such as smoking or vaping should be banned and stigmatised through campaigns and visual cues, so they become socially unacceptable behaviours. These efforts will help produce young adults who are used to making healthy choices,” he said.
Wellness gaps
Weighing in, Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) president Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman said Malaysia is facing a growing public health crisis.
CLICK TO ENLARGE“The findings of the NHMS 2024: Nutrition report, along with earlier data, make it clear that lifestyle-related health risks are escalating, and if left unaddressed, will significantly affect the health, productivity and economic resilience of Malaysia’s future workforce,” he said.
He added that MEF has observed several emerging concerns among young hires, including increased stress, anxiety and burnout symptoms – especially among fresh graduates transitioning to professional life; reduced physical activity due to the digital nature of academic life and remote work; poor sleep habits and erratic schedules formed during university that affect punctuality and performance; and low awareness of nutrition, fitness, and regular health monitoring.
Echoing Dr Mohammed Azman’s call to action for HEIs, Syed Hussain said these institutions have a critical role in shaping the behaviours and mindsets of the next generation of employees.
He urged HEIs to take several steps, including embedding credit-bearing well-being modules into curricula and introducing co-curricular programmes on nutrition, stress management and healthy living.
“Support policies and programmes that make physical activity accessible, affordable and appealing. This includes walkable campuses, student fitness challenges, and access to sports facilities.
“Adopt healthy campus food policies that offer nutritious, affordable options in cafeterias, vending machines and campus events, alongside awareness campaigns on healthy eating,” he stressed.
He also recommended promoting mental wellness services and reducing stigma through campaigns and peer support initiatives, recognising the link between physical and mental health.
An individual’s health status, said Syed Hussain, will influence employability in both direct and indirect ways.
“Certain roles – especially those involving physical work or safety-critical functions such as construction, transportation and healthcare – require a baseline level of physical fitness.
“Conditions that affect mobility, stamina or cognitive function will limit the range of roles a person can perform.
“Stress, anxiety or depression – if unrecognised or unsupported – may impair a candidate’s ability to adapt, communicate and perform under pressure, especially in competitive job markets,” he said.
Joint effort
While HEIs are well-positioned to instil healthy lifestyle habits before young adults enter the workforce, both Dr Mohammed Azman and Syed Hussain emphasised the need for coordinated action across all sectors to support a healthier generation of workers.
Dr Mohammed Azman said it is important that the government, private sector and civil society – including the workplace – promote a way of life that supports health, safety and well-being.
“The first line of action is discouraging bad habits.
“Employers can make unhealthy food unavailable in cafeterias, reduce sugary offerings at drink stations and meetings, and ban smoking or vaping on premises.
“These are not short-term measures, but aimed at inculcating a change in lifestyle choices,” he said.
He added that incentives or recognition are great motivators – especially when given to a group – so that the benefits are seen as communal rather than individual.
Underscoring the importance of smart policies, inclusive programmes and stakeholder collaboration, Syed Hussain said these efforts would enable Malaysia to lay the foundation for a healthier and more sustainable workforce.
He called on the government to grant tax relief or co-funding schemes for companies that implement comprehensive employee wellness initiatives.
“Ensure that public healthcare systems and community clinics are equipped to support working-age populations with preventive services such as screenings, mental health support and health education,” he added.
He also suggested initiatives (see infographic) that can be undertaken by employers, including adopting policies that promote physical activity, mental health, nutrition and work-life balance.
Syed Hussain also encouraged tertiary students to adopt a proactive and informed approach towards their health and career readiness.
“Develop consistent habits around nutrition, physical activity, sleep and mental well-being to maintain resilience during job search and early career stages.
“And be aware of protections under the Persons with Disabilities Act 2008 and employment non-discrimination clauses, which protect individuals from unfair treatment based on health status,” he said.
Dr Mohammed Azman advised fresh graduates to stay informed about campaigns that encourage workers to take proactive care of their own health.
“For over a decade, PERKESO’s Health Screening Programme (HSP) (see infographic) has been offered to employees turning 40 – a crucial transitional age to detect NCDs.
“PERKESO has also included younger workers aged 18 and above in general screenings conducted during its field campaigns, checking four key indicators: body mass index, blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol,” he said.
Dr Mohammed Azman revealed that plans are in motion to offer a broader health screening programme to enable the detection of more conditions.
“The new screening programme, which will be part of PERKESO’s primary care approach, will be introduced in batches later this year,” he said.
He added that PERKESO also organises Workplace Health Promotion programmes, the “Tolak Gula” campaign and Activ@Work competitions.
‘Arm us with the right defence’
I take my health seriously by closely monitoring my diet, especially my daily sugar and salt intake. I do this by reading nutrition labels and mentally tracking my intake. For physical activity, I avoid using cars for short trips. If a destination is within 3km, I walk.
To support student health, we urgently need stronger nutrition education, especially on the risks of excessive sugar and salt. With rising cases of early-onset diabetes and hypertension, an informed student body is our best defence against preventable lifestyle diseases.
Daniel Fadzlan Abdullah, 22
Living far from home while trying to stay healthy has always been a challenge for me. It gets even harder during exam periods. I do my best to opt for meals with more vegetables and fruits, within my budget. Taking breaks helps me unwind and manage stress. I also join club activities to learn new things and connect with people from diverse backgrounds.
That said, I wish there were more support for student health. More affordable healthy food on campus would help. Student discounts on meals or wellness clubs could also encourage more of us to live healthily and stay active.
Leong Weng Sam, 22
