PETALING JAYA: Dialysis cases among Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) contributors are rising steadily, with the number increasing by about 12% each year.
Its head of Prevention, Medical and Rehabilitation Division, Dr Azlan Darus, said the organisation currently funds dialysis treatment for 19,355 patients undergoing renal replacement therapy nationwide.
“At least 87% of them are on haemodialysis,” he told The Star.
The agency’s data shows the number of dialysis recipients rising from 16,157 in 2021 to 19,355 as of December 2025, reflecting a steady increase in cases over the past few years.
“New dialysis approvals have also grown significantly, from 2,561 cases in 2021 to 3,573 cases last year, highlighting the rising demand for treatment.
“As a result, the agency’s total expenditure on dialysis treatment exceeded RM420mil in 2025. This figure is expected to continue climbing,” he said.
Dr Azlan noted that many patients diagnosed with end-stage renal failure eventually seek treatment at private dialysis centres due to limited capacity at government facilities.
“Our experience shows that patients will have to look for private centres once they are diagnosed with end-stage renal failure and require renal replacement therapy,” he said.
PERKESO receives more than 2,500 new dialysis patients each year, who are then placed at over 700 private dialysis centres nationwide under the organisation’s panel. The agency provides dialysis support to insured persons who are diagnosed with kidney failure before the age of 60.
Its support covers haemodialysis as well as peritoneal dialysis treatments such as continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and automated peritoneal dialysis (APD), along with medications including erythropoietin injections and immunosuppressive drugs when clinically required.
The agency also supports procedures to create dialysis access, such as arteriovenous fistula (AVF) and provides travel allowances for eligible patients undergoing haemodialysis treatment.
Dr Azlan cautioned that sustaining dialysis funding could become increasingly challenging at the rate new patients are requiring treatment every year.
He attributed this to the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and other lifestyle-related conditions, which can lead to end-stage renal failure.
“Our data also shows that the onset of the disease is now impacting more younger people than it was before,” he said.
Dr Azlan noted that dialysis assistance under the organisation is funded through the invalidity pension scheme, which has remained largely unchanged since it was introduced more than 50 years ago.
“The strain on the fund means the sustainability of dialysis assistance may be jeopardised in the future if the number of patients continues to rise,” he said.
At the Rotary Club of Batu Pahat Haemodialysis Centre in Johor, chairman Pek Hock Choon said many patients are referred to the centre after doctors advise them to start dialysis but they cannot afford private treatment.
“Patients are often told dialysis is necessary, but they may not immediately get a slot at a government facility. In private centres, a session can cost about RM200 to RM300, which many simply cannot afford,” he said.
The charitable centre charges about RM110 per session, a subsidised rate that includes regular reviews by doctors and specialists.
Pek said most patients referred there are in financial difficulty.
“Since our funds come from public donations, we assess each patient’s financial situation to ensure the assistance goes to those who truly need it,” he said.
