PETALING JAYA: Malaysia needs stronger public health guidance on safe sun exposure, wider sunscreen use and better awareness of skin protection as experts warn of rising ultraviolet (UV) risks alongside a steady increase in skin cancer cases.
Public health expert Datuk Dr Zainal Ariffin Omar said skin cancer cases in Malaysia have risen sharply, surging by 40% over the past decade due to prolonged UV exposure.
Citing the Malaysian National Cancer Registry, Dr Zainal said the increase is primarily driven by cumulative UV exposure, with between 70% and 95% of cases attributable to radiation damage that accumulates over a lifetime.
He said while skin cancer remains less common in Malaysia compared to Western countries, data from the Global Cancer Observatory confirms a steady upward trend.
“Skin cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer worldwide, including in Malaysia, and its incidence continues to rise.
“The most common types are basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC),” he said when contacted.
As the country continues to experience prolonged hot and dry spells, with soaring temperatures and increasingly frequent heatwaves, concerns over UV radiation exposure remain high throughout the year.
The hot weather phenomenon currently affecting the country is expected to persist until the beginning of the Southwest Monsoon in June, due to drier atmospheric conditions and lower rainfall, according to the Malaysian Meteorological Department.
Dr Zainal highlighted several contributing factors, including Malaysia’s year-round intense sunshine, low sunscreen usage and persistent misconceptions such as the belief that darker skin tones do not require protection.
Children, he added, face heightened vulnerability as their skin is more sensitive, and sun exposure during childhood is a key risk factor for developing skin cancer later in life.
Other high-risk groups include outdoor workers exposed to prolonged sunlight, fair-skinned individuals with less natural melanin protection, and those with a history of skin cancer or pre-existing moles.
Universiti Malaya occupational and public health expert Prof Dr Victor Hoe said that while overall skin cancer rates in Malaysia are lower than in Western countries, cases do occur and may be underdiagnosed, especially among people with darker skin, where detection is often delayed.
He also said there is consistent evidence of widespread vitamin D insufficiency, reflecting reduced exposure to beneficial sunlight due to modern lifestyles.
“UV exposure is necessary for vitamin D production, which is important for bone and muscle health.
“However, Malaysian studies show that many people still have low vitamin D levels despite abundant sunlight, mainly due to indoor lifestyles and sun avoidance,” he said.
“This creates a dual challenge: too much harmful exposure for some, and too little beneficial exposure for others.”
He added that as urbanisation and indoor lifestyles increase, Malaysia will need clearer, integrated guidance that links UV protection with vitamin D health.
“This presents an opportunity to develop a context-specific model for tropical countries that balances environmental exposure with modern living patterns,” he said.
Meanwhile, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia public health specialist Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh advised the public to limit direct sun exposure, especially during midday hot spells, and to adopt protective measures.
“Sunlight exposure is also associated with premature skin ageing. People should use sunscreen with SPF 30 or above, and protect themselves with shade, umbrellas or appropriate clothing.
“If they notice any changes to their skin such as new moles, ulcers or bleeding lesions, they should consult a doctor, who may recommend a biopsy if necessary,” she said.
