KUCHING: Sarawakians must avoid becoming “prosperous in the wrong way”, as the state continues to experience an upward trend in diabetes cases.
In stating this, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said as Sarawak is advancing economically, its people must also work towards improving their overall health.
“The state has recorded an increasing trend in the prevalence of diabetes over the past years.
“What is more worrying is that the rate among Sarawak Bumiputera is even higher at 17.2 per cent, surpassing the national prevalence of 15.6 per cent in 2023.
“Therefore, this makes us a ‘champion’ in something we should not be proud of,” he said during the World Diabetes Day 2025 ‘Blu-ing of Darul Hana Bridge’ programme at Kuching Waterfront here, last night (Nov 14).
Dr Sim, who is also the Health, Housing and Local Government Minister, added nationwide, the diabetes rate had grown significantly over the decades — from only 4 per cent in the late 1970s and early 2000s to 15.6 per cent in 2023.
He added that nearly half of those with diabetes were unaware of their condition.
“In 2023, the figures show that in Sarawak, about 5.1 per cent do not realise they are diabetic, while 9.6 per cent know they have diabetes,” he said.
He warned that untreated diabetes can affect multiple organs, leading to stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, blindness, and gangrene.
“Sarawak records about 700 new dialysis patients yearly, with more than half caused by diabetes,” he said.
Hence, he called on Sarawakian to adopt healthier habits, including exercising and reducing sugar and soft drink consumption, as diabetes complications can be prevented.
“When I just started to become a doctor. Diabetes was called an ‘Asian disease’. Why? Because it is very common among Asians due to our lifestyle and dietary habits.
“So, take care of yourself and know what you eat. Because no matter how many hospitals we build or how many doctors we produce, if you don’t love yourself, the hospital will still be full,” he said.
Dr Sim later thanked Diabetes Malaysia Sarawak Branch for their continuous work in diabetes awareness, screening and assistance programmes.
Meanwhile, the Darul Hana Bridge was also lit in blue to symbolise the global movement against diabetes, held in conjunction with World Diabetes Day, celebrated worldwide on Nov 14 every year.
