PERKESO flags rise in NCD-related health claims among those in their 30s
PETALING JAYA: A growing number of younger workers have sought social security support as their livelihoods are significantly impacted by non-communicable diseases (NCDs), says Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Dr Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed (pic).
“The average age of workers affected by NCDs is getting younger.
“The number of workers in their 30s 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 told Sunday Star.
He warned that the percentage of employees with NCDs will continue to rise if significant lifestyle changes do not occur among younger workers.
“Each year, around 230,000 employees become eligible for PERKESO’s Health Screening Programme (HSP) as they turn 40. Of these, about 18% take the opportunity to get their health screened.
“The findings are alarming: A large percentage – 60% – were found to be overweight or obese during the health check-ups; 60% had hypercholesterolaemia; 19% were diabetic; and another 19% were hypertensive.
“A smaller but significant percentage – 3% – were found to have chronic kidney disease, a sequela of NCDs,” 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. Much can be said from the health morbidity data about older adults who are now suffering from the effects of lifestyle diseases,” he added.
Dr Mohammed Azman said the poor health status of workers should serve as a warning that immediate action must be taken to promote healthier lifestyles among the population.
He called on the government, private sector and civil society to play a role in promoting a way of life that supports health, safety and well-being.
Higher education institutions should also foster healthy lifestyles that can be adopted by students, who will make up the future workforce, 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 said PERKESO has included younger workers aged 18 and above in general screenings conducted during its field campaigns.
“The HSP is not static as it was when first introduced a decade ago.
“PERKESO recently enhanced the HSP as part of the Belanjawan Madani initiatives, adding more tests, including cancer screenings. This led to a nearly five-fold increase in uptake within the year.
“Presently, the HSP includes a specific test to detect diabetes and has expanded to incorporate niche screenings such as for the human papillomavirus (HPV),” he said.
Malaysian Employers Federation president Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman said a future-ready workforce should be skilled, as well as physically, mentally and socially resilient.
“Poor health among graduates will eventually translate into lower productivity, higher medical costs and increased absenteeism.
“Health promotion should be integrated into national employability and workforce development strategies,” he said.
