Health & Living

Public spending on healthcare still takes only a little over two percent of GDP, against a recommended norm of at least five percent. If Malaysia wants to increase public funding, where will the extra money come from? Higher taxes, a national health insurance scheme, or bigger bills at government hospitals each carry a political price.

We're joined by Rajiv Rishyakaran, Bukit Gasing ADUN, who sets out the trade-offs and floats a more modest first step: a dedicated health savings account built on the EPF. We explore what this would look like and how it could provide a safety net for healthcare users at the point of care.

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In many Asian families, we grow up learning not to talk about certain things - conflict, expectations, and struggles. But what happens when that silence follows us into adulthood? Clinical psychologist and author of ‘Welcome Home’, Dr Bee Lim, joins us to talk about trauma, cultural disconnection and inherited silence. What happens when we’ve learned to suppress parts of who we are, and why it’s important not to carry intergenerational trauma. Take Dr Bee Lim’s quiz here to find out how you cope under stress.

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Lesch-Nyhan syndrome is a rare genetic disease that affects a child’s kidney function, can lead to acute gouty arthritis in the joints, and more troublingly, leads to involuntary muscle movements, neurological effects and self-injuring behaviours. Families of children born with Lesch-Nyhan syndrome face a lot of challenges with daily care and support. On the show, we speak to Karen, mother of Yang, a 15 year-old boy born with this condition, Dr Lim Wei Kang, Consultant Paediatric Neurologist, and Rachel Ho, Executive Director of Suriana Welfare Society.

To contribute to Yang’s surgery costs, visit Suriana Welfare Society’s website. You can also support Suriana’s charity concert, ‘Harmony for the Rare & Brave’ here.

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Last month, the increasingly popular fitness racing event Hyrox made headlines, but not necessarily for the best reason. An elite athlete competing in Hyrox Beijing had soiled herself during a race but continued competing. Her response to that was saying “go hard or go home … a win is a win” on her Instagram. She’s since deleted it and later apologised for her actions, saying that there’s “more to life than racing”. But that begs the question: what do we expect from elite athletes and does being ‘resilient’ mean pushing through anything and everything? We speak to clinical psychologist Dr Melody Kong and sports, exercise & performance psychologist Cheah Sin Eu.

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The purpose of palliative care is to alleviate pain and suffering. But in Gaza, which has been facing a humanitarian crisis and is still under attack by Israel despite a ceasefire in place, what does palliative care look like when the healthcare system is already under dire strain? And why does palliative care still matter? We speak to Dr Rachel Coghlan about her trips to Gaza before the escalation of the genocide in October 2023, and what she continues to hear from her colleagues and friends on the ground. 

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Breathlessness, chest pain, and fatigue are often assumed to be symptoms of ageing or brushed off as just temporary problems. However, they could also be symptoms of a rare heart condition, known as pulmonary arterial hypertension. Consultant cardiologist Dr Teoh Chee Kiang joins us to explain how this rare disease affects patients, and what it means to live with this condition. 

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Picture two women who have breast cancer. Their lumps are similar in size and stage, but when they compare their treatments, they are surprised to find that they’re receiving very different therapies. Why would this be? We find out from Dr Mastura Md Yusof, Consultant Clinical Oncologist from Hospital Picaso.

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We often think of hives as a result of food or pet allergies, causing short-lived itchiness and discomfort. However, hives can also appear sporadically, without any obvious cause, and persist over weeks or months. Associate Prof Dr Tan Wooi Chiang, President of Persatuan Dermatologi Malaysia, joins us to unpack Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria, or CSU, and to share what patients can do if they’re struggling with this disease.

The views expressed in this interview are based on the clinician's professional opinion and clinical perspective.

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Before Azizulhasni Awang, there was Josiah Ng, the first Malaysian cyclist to reach an Olympic final. But on this episode of Because Feelings Matter, Ng introduces himself not as a three-time Olympian, but as someone who has failed far more than he has won.

Tune in for a conversation on resilience, vulnerability and why a good relationship with failure might matter more than winning.

Every mental health struggle has a story behind it. ‘Because Feelings Matter’ is a series that brings you the stories of people and their mental health issues. These stories aim to normalise conversations about mental health, and to show that it’s okay to struggle emotionally and psychologically, but more importantly, to reach out for help. This series is produced in collaboration with Thrive Well.

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Earlier this month, the Nobel Prize laureates were announced and the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine went to a trio of scientists – Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel – “for their discovery of a molecular switch for nerve cells” or optogenetics. Putting it simply, some news outlets have described it as “being able to control brain cells with light”. On this episode of Brain Waves, neurogeneticist Dr Azlina Ahmad Annuar helps us break down why this was groundbreaking and how it can further research into better treatments for diseases like neurologic and psychiatric disorders. 

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In August, leading cardiovascular groups released a new definition of heart attacks, reclassifying overlooked causes of heart attacks that are more common among women. Consultant urologist Dr George Lee is joined by consultant cardiologist Dr Effarezan Abdul Rahman to break down why these changes are seen as a move towards better care for women. This conversation also discusses how women tend to experience heart attacks differently from men, the unique risk factors they have, and why seeking early treatment is key to survival.

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It feels like the world is becoming increasingly unsafe for children, even among their own peers, with more reports of school and peer violence among children and teenagers. Are children’s relationships today breaking down? We ask consultant developmental paediatrician Dr Rajini Sarvananthan and consultant child psychiatrist Dr Anita Codati what social-emotional skills children are lacking today, and what are subtle signs parents and teachers often miss before negative behaviours escalate.

This conversation will touch on topics of violence and self-harm. If you or your child is struggling with these issues and need emotional support, reach out for help from your community, or helplines like Befrienders KL (03 7627 2929), Talian HEAL (15 555) and Buddy Bear (1800-18-BEAR/2327), which is specifically for children. You can report bullying to the Anti-Bullying Tribunal here.

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Who cares for a baby in the first critical minutes if the baby is born too soon or has a serious condition no one expected? On this episode of Humans of Healthcare, we speak to Associate Professor Dr Azanna Ahmad Kamar, Consultant Neonatologist at Universiti Malaya Medical Centre, about the demanding, highly technical world of neonatology. She traces her path from wanting to be an astronaut to becoming a neonatologist, describes the "organised chaos" in the neonatal ICU, and talks candidly about why Malaysia needs more doctors in this subspecialty.

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The Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) is moving to make mental health protection a statutory requirement for employers. What does it mean for employers and employees now that psychosocial risk assessment and management is now an employer’s legal duty under the Occupational Safety and Health Act? Why should companies invest in this, and how should they go about it?

This discussion mentions suicide. If you, or someone you know, needs emotional support, reach out for help within your community or contact the Befrienders KL (03-76272929 or sam@befrienders.org.my), Talian HEAL (15 555), MIASA (1-800-1800-66) or AWAS Malaysia (Whatsapp 010-234 4808)

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If you’re a woman in your 40s and 50s, and have some form of chronic pain, you may have learned to just suffer in silence. These could include long-term migraines, joint and muscular pain, or vaginal pain, which can’t seem to be traced to other causes. The theme of World Menopause Day 2026, ‘Chronic Pain At Midlife’, recognises this pain as part of a syndrome that should be identified and managed, and not an invisible burden that women have to bear. Dr Premitha Damodaran, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, pulls back the curtain on this neglected aspect of women’s midlife.

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A recent report in The Star revealed that unregistered home insemination kits are being sold through online platforms, allegedly providing convenient and cheaper alternatives to intrauterine insemination, or simply pressure-free alternatives to sexual intercourse. Fertility specialist Dr Sumithra Devi Valiapan, joins us to explain what couples need to know about using these DIY insemination kits for fertility problems.

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Here’s a number you might not have heard of: 6020. It’s a campaign to encourage Malaysians aged 60 and above to retain at least 20 functional natural teeth. Now, many of us think that it’s quite normal to lose your teeth as you age, so what can actually be done to keep your teeth instead? On this episode of Healthy Ageing, we’ll be discussing that and more with prosthodontist Assoc Prof Dr Yew Hsu Zenn from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.

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A hit-and-run after work hours left Sutrisno bin Saimin with severe hand injury that would impair his daily routines, both at home and at work. But with access to rehabilitation through PERKESO’s Lindung 24 Jam scheme, Sutris shares what his recovery journey was like, how he’s adapting to life with impaired mobility, and why having a round-the-clock social safety net matters. We also hear from occupational therapist Ahmad Yazid bin Jus about the role of occupational therapy in recovery from hand injuries. 

Beyond The Diagnosis is a series that goes beyond a medical diagnosis to explore people’s personal experiences, their challenges, as well as the impact of their health condition on their loved ones. 

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Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among Malaysian women, yet too many are still diagnosed at later stages when treatment becomes more challenging. Prof Dr See Mee Hong, a consultant breast surgeon at Universiti Malaya Medical Centre, discusses advances in breast surgery, including robotic and oncoplastic techniques that aim to remove cancer safely whilst preserving quality of life. Rosalind Tan, secretary of the UMMC Candy Girls Support Group and a breast cancer survivor herself, shares her journey through diagnosis, surgery and recovery, and explains how the support group raises funds for the PPUM Care B40 Breast Cancer Diagnostic Fund to help lower-income women access the imaging, biopsies and tests needed for timely diagnosis.

Check out the Pink ESG Wellness Campaign 2026 from 16–18 October at Pavilion Damansara Heights Kuala Lumpur. Find out how to support UMMC Candy Girls Support Group’s fundraising on their Facebook and Instagram pages.

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Budget 2027 is in and the Ministry of Health has been allocated RM47.7 billion out of the RM459.8 billion federal budget. But with this being the smallest increase the Ministry has received throughout the Madani administration, what does this mean for the operation, expansion and modernisation of our healthcare system? We unpack this and more with Azrul Mohd Khalib, CEO of the Galen Centre for Health & Social Policy, and Dr Murallitharan Munisamy, medical director of the National Cancer Society of Malaysia. 

Brought to you by Mah Sing. Reinvent Spaces. Enhance Life.

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Do you often toss and turn in bed trying to fall asleep, or wake up at odd hours? Are you kept up at night because of a racing mind, or do you sometimes struggle to get out of bed because you feel too sluggish? On this month’s open clinic show, consultant psychiatrist Associate Professor Dr Rusdi Abd Rashid helps us peep into the mind to better understand how sleep affects mental health, and vice versa. We answer questions about insomnia, anxiety and other sleep disturbances linked to psychological factors.

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Three years after suicide has been decriminalised in Malaysia, the work to strengthen suicide prevention is still ongoing. The Ministry of Health recently launched the National Suicide and Fatal Injury Registry Malaysia as well as the Postvention Services Clinical Guideline, both of which are initiatives that mental health advocates have been calling for, even before the decriminalisation of suicide.

With World Suicide Prevention Day commemorated last month and World Mental Health Day coming up, we explore why suicide postvention is prevention, and why these two new initiatives matter with Michelle Ng, ADUN for Subang Jaya, and Assoc Prof Dr Amer Siddiq bin Amer Nordin, consultant psychiatrist at University Malaya Medical Centre. Both guests are also part of the Care Warriors Association and the conversation also touches on the role of community organisations in supporting survivors of suicide loss. 

This discussion will touch on topics of suicide and self-harm. If you, or someone you know, needs emotional support, reach out for help within your community or contact the Befrienders KL (03-76272929 or sam@befrienders.org.my), Talian HEAL (15 555), MIASA (1-800-1800-66) or AWAS Malaysia (Whatsapp 010-234 4808)

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Malnutrition is a growing problem among our children, and along with poverty, it creates a vicious cycle that can’t be fixed by simply telling families to eat better. Especially for families living in rural areas or in poverty, addressing malnutrition is more than just knowing what to do but having an environment that helps make those food choices easier. To unpack this, we speak to Ang Zheng Feng, Health & Nutrition Officer at World Vision Malaysia. In this interview, Zheng Feng shares more about World Vision Malaysia’s community development programmes as well as their nutrition-through-sports programmes. 

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As breast cancer treatment becomes more advanced, more women today will be able to see a horizon much further in the distance. There is hope for women to pick up the threads of their life they had put on hold to undergo treatment. But women shouldn’t have to navigate the post-treatment phase of their lives alone. We get the perspectives of the Breast Cancer Welfare Association and National Cancer Society Malaysia on the kind of structural support women need beyond diagnosis and treatment. 

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Breast cancer is typically diagnosed among women after the age of 50, yet we seem to be hearing about more women who are being diagnosed with breast cancer at a younger age. In conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, more commonly known as Pink October, we speak to clinical oncologist Dr Nisha Shariff and genetic counsellor Yoon Sook Yee to unpack the risks that younger women face and how genetic testing could help them understand those risks.

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We’ve all been stressed before, and for some of us, it’s just part and parcel of our daily lives. So how do you know when you’re coping well or barely treading water? Licensed and registered counsellor Rozy Khalid joins us to help us unpack when stress is good or bad, as well as offer tips on how we can learn to cope with stress and when you might need to set clear boundaries.

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The last year has seen the Ministry of Health attempting to implement long-term systemic reforms, while addressing acute crises, all amid a war in the Middle East. Together with Dr Tharani Loganathan, Associate Professor of Global Health, from Universiti Malaya, we look at how the upcoming Budget 2027 could be an opportunity to continue healthcare reforms, and how we need to look beyond funding alone. 

Brought to you by Mah Sing. Reinvent Spaces. Enhance Life

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The Bidayuh in Sarawak have among the highest rates of nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) in the world. It is also the most common cancer among Sarawakian men. What are the factors that increase the risk of NPC among the Bidayuh community, and what are the systemic barriers to addressing early diagnosis and comprehensive care of NPC? We explore with Azrul Mohd Khalib, CEO of the Galen Centre for Health & Social Policy, and Professor Datu Dr Andrew Kiyu, Professor of Public Health from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Malaysia Sarawak.

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Malaysia has one of the lowest organ donation and transplantation rates in the world, despite being an early pioneer of organ donation in the 1970s. Where did we go wrong, and how can we catch up with countries like Spain, whose organ donation rate is 50 times higher than ours? Kidney transplant survivor Manvir Victor and transplant nephrologist Dr Mohamad Zaimi Abdul Wahab moot the idea of a National Transplant Institute to centralise services, training, data collection and allocation of organs. Listen to the first part here.

Beyond The Diagnosis is a series that goes beyond a medical diagnosis to explore people’s personal experiences, their challenges, as well as the impact of their health condition on their loved ones.

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Last month, American president Donald Trump signed an order to limit childhood vaccines and to split the mumps, measles and rubella shots for children in America. While this is just a guidance, and not a mandate, having such recommendations coming from the U.S. president can have a significant influence, not just in the U.S. itself but the rest of the world as well as many countries have traditionally looked to the U.S. for guidance. On top of that, Trump has also called for childhood vaccinations to be reduced across the board. Consultant urologist Dr George Lee is joined by paediatric infectious diseases consultant Dr Sangeetha Siniah to discuss if childhood vaccinations have been a victim of their own success and how parents can navigate misinformation about childhood vaccines. 

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The newly-passed Social Work Profession Bill aims to introduce stricter standards for the field of social work, and regulate the activities of social workers in Malaysia. What does this mean for the thousands of children who depend on social workers, especially those living in vulnerable situations? We speak to Dr Rajini Sarvananthan, Consultant Developmental Paediatrician, and Amy Bala from the Malaysian Association of Social Workers, to discuss this long-awaited bill and what it means for children nationwide. 

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A recent study published in The Lancet Public Health found that in 2023 alone an estimated 2.7 billion people globally were exposed to secondhand smoke, including 767 million children under 15. After decades of anti-smoking campaigns and awareness-building about the dangers of secondhand smoke, why are billions of people still breathing in contaminated air? In conjunction with World Lung Day on the 25th of September, we’re joined by Prof Dr Anna Marie Nathan, consultant paediatric pulmonologist from Universiti Malaya Medical Centre to clear the air about the short- and long-term health consequences of secondhand smoke, why children are especially vulnerable to secondhand smoke in the home, as well as what we can do to help smokers quit to create a smoke-free environment for all. 

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Maya (not her real name) lost her loved one to suicide more than a year ago. She still grapples with the grief, anger and guilt today, but she’s come a long way in processing and learning to speak about her loss. In conjunction with World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September, we speak to Maya about the support that suicide loss survivors need. 

This discussion will touch on topics of suicide and self-harm. If you, or someone you know, needs emotional support, reach out for help within your community or contact the Befrienders KL (03-76272929 or sam@befrienders.org.my), Talian HEAL (15 555), MIASA (1-800-1800-66) or AWAS Malaysia (Whatsapp 010-234 4808)

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Most of the people living with osteoarthritis are older but that doesn’t mean that osteoarthritis is an “older person’s disease” and something that just happens as you age. So can you prevent your cartilage from breaking down? And if you have osteoarthritis, how can you still lead a full life? We ask these and more with Assoc Prof Dr Fariz Yahya, consultant rheumatologist at Universiti Malaya Medical Centre. Dr Fariz is also the president of the Arthritis Foundation Malaysia.

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The bladder is a remarkably forgiving organ, designed to hold up to 500cc of urine without discomfort, yet most people take it for granted until something goes wrong. From managing different types of urinary incontinence and preventing UTIs to prostate problems and bedwetting, consultant urologist Dr George Lee joins us for a frank, practical guide to keeping your urinary system in check.

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Malaysia's healthcare data remains deeply fragmented, with patient records scattered across disconnected clinics, hospitals, and paper files, even within the public system. Armed with a total allocation of RM1 billion and a target to fully digitalise all public healthcare facilities by 2028, the Ministry of Health is racing to turn that reality around, with 500 primary care clinics and 300 dental clinics already sharing records, and 15 million Malaysians now holding prescription records from public facilities in MySejahtera. Dr Mahesh Appannan, Director of the Digital Health Division at the Ministry of Health, unpacks the Malaysia's digital health transformation initiative, covering facility digitalisation, interoperability, and a cradle-to-grave Lifetime Health Record, while addressing the hard questions around cross-sectoral collaboration, AI readiness, and whether RM1 billion is the right spend. Tune in for a candid look at what it will truly take to put every Malaysian's health record in their own hands.

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How often do we think about how complicated it can be for us to see what is in front of us? On this month’s open clinic show, we’ll be uncovering what happens within our eyes - and the brain - to help us see the world, how to keep our eyes functioning at their best, and how to pick up problems when your eyes start declining. 

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It is estimated that over 2,000 Malaysians live with motor neurone disease (MND), a chronic condition that is progressive and life-limiting. As the disease increasingly affects the muscles that are needed for movement, speech, swallowing and breathing, patients and families need a lot of support. But are they accessing the care they need? We find out more from the Chairman of MND Malaysia Ahmad Nurzahid bin Mohd Yusoff, and consultant neurologist Prof Dr Nortina Shahrizaila. 

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Fatty liver is a little-known consequence of the high rates of diabetes, obesity and high cholesterol in Malaysia. Without intervention and management, fatty liver can eventually lead to liver cancer. We speak to Prof Dr Ida Normiha Hilmi, President of the Malaysian Society of Gastroenterology & Hepatology and Dr Lau Su Yin, Consultant Gastroenterologist & Hepatologist, about why fatty liver is a major public health problem in our population.

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When someone is facing suicidal ideation or crisis, how frontliners respond can make all the difference. In conjunction with World Suicide Prevention Day, we’ll be unpacking the role that frontliners play, who exactly they are, and why how they respond during and after a suicide crisis matters not just for the individual in crisis but for other vulnerable individuals as well. 

This is the second of a two-part conversation. Listen to part 1 here. 

Trigger warning: This discussion will touch on topics of suicide and self-harm. If you, or someone you know, needs emotional support, call the Befrienders KL at 03-76272929 or email sam@befrienders.org.my, or reach out for help within your community. You can also contact Talian HEAL at 15 555 or MIASA at 1-800-1800-66.

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When someone is facing suicidal ideation or crisis, how frontliners respond can make all the difference. In conjunction with World Suicide Prevention Day, we’ll be unpacking the role that frontliners play, who exactly they are, and why how they respond during and after a suicide crisis matters not just for the individual in crisis but for other vulnerable individuals as well. 

This is the first of a two-part conversation. Listen to part 2 here. 

Trigger warning: This discussion will touch on topics of suicide and self-harm. If you, or someone you know, needs emotional support, call the Befrienders KL at 03-76272929 or email sam@befrienders.org.my, or reach out for help within your community. You can also contact Talian HEAL at 15 555 or MIASA at 1-800-1800-66.

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Since 1996, Hospice Klang has been providing free palliative care to patients, caregivers and families in the community in Klang. We speak to its chairperson, Dr Sheriza Izwa Binti Zainuddin, who’s a senior consultant for palliative care in Universiti Malaya Medical Centre, to find out more about how Hospice Klang started and how its changed the lives of patients and families in need of palliative and hospice care. To support Hospice Klang’s 30th anniversary charity fundraising dinner, visit the website, Facebook or Instagram pages.

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From figuring out what’s causing a rare condition in a child to helping that child thrive into adulthood, the profession of a paediatrician and clinical geneticist can be pretty challenging. We speak to Prof Dr Thong Meow Keong, who was Malaysia’s first board-certified clinical geneticist back in the 1990s, about his career as a clinical geneticist, why it shouldn’t be a paediatric subspecialty, and how the profession has evolved over the years.

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The worsening haze has caused a 250% surge in asthma cases in recent weeks. The link between poor air quality and respiratory diseases is clear, but people with asthma and COPD should not wait for the haze to trigger a serious episode before taking preventive action. Consultant respiratory physician Dr Helmy Haja Mydin is here with reminders about how to keep asthma under control, especially during the prolonged El Niño season.

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Once, a cancer diagnosis was thought to be the entire book on its own. But as cancer patients live longer today, there’s more to the story than just (that phase of) completing cancer treatment. Heart health is also an increasingly important focus in cancer survivorship, including addressing certain risks associated with cancer and preventing the same cardiovascular diseases that the rest of the population faces (with or without cancer). In this conversation with an oncologist and a cardiologist, we look at how their care for a cancer patient intersects, to ensure that the cancer survivor of today does not become the heart patient of tomorrow.

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For low and middle income countries, the high cost of novel treatments can be a significant barrier for the people who need these medicines the most - especially when it comes to cancers and rare diseases. This is where drug repurposing can offer a more affordable yet still innovative option that could lead to better access to treatment. So why aren’t we investing more into this? And is it safe to repurpose drugs for other types of diseases? 

To help us unpack this, we speak to Dr Yolanda Augustin, clinical oncologist at City St George's University of London, and Prof Dr Ivy Chung, pharmacologist at the Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya. They are both part of the International Affordable Diagnostics and Therapeutics Alliance also known as IA-DATA, where Dr Yolanda is the lead coordinator while Prof Ivy is the lead principle investigator for the Universiti Malaya Affordable Diagnostics and Therapeutics programme, a project under IA-DATA.

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Today, many IVF packages offer optional ‘add-on’ treatments that claim to boost a couple’s chances at a successful pregnancy. But a recent study found that it’s not obvious if most of these ‘add-ons’ actually help, even if it doesn’t have clear negative effects. So what should couples seeking IVF know before making that decision? We speak to Dr Sarah Lensen, the lead author of that study as well as a senior research fellow in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Newborn Health at the University of Melbourne. 

For more information about optional IVF extras, visit ‘Evidence-based IVF’.

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In 1986, the mission for setting up the Breast Cancer Welfare Association (BCWA) was clear: a volunteer or a trained breast cancer survivor uses her experience to help another woman recovering from breast cancer. 40 years later, BCWA has become the country’s leading breast cancer support organisation, while holding on to its core mission of being there for the next woman diagnosed with breast cancer. We speak to two former presidents and the current president of BCWA for this Merdeka special.

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For a young adult entering university, the idea of independence is thrilling and liberating. But the excitement can also mask the anxiety and struggle to balance responsibility and expectations. We discuss what mental health and peer support should look like for students in tertiary education, and hear this month’s impact story about how a corporate leadership programme is supporting students’ mental well-being.

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Almost 70,000 people in Malaysia are registered with the Department of Social Welfare as having blindness or visual impairment. The healthcare needs of this community often go unnoticed, and many people living with blindness and visual impairment still struggle to have their rights recognised, including equitable access to healthcare. We speak to the Malaysian Association for the Blind to find out what needs to be improved to ensure inclusivity in healthcare for people with visual impairments.

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There are 55,000 people in Malaysia on dialysis and the number is expected to double by year 2040. Dialysis keeps patients with end-stage renal disease alive, but unwell. Leelavathi K. Ragu and Manvir Victor from Wira Transplant Malaysia describe the physical and financial burden of haemodialysis, while Dr Mohamad Zaimi Abdul Wahab delves into why a kidney transplant is still the best treatment for people with end-stage kidney disease. (Read the paper on 'The Cost of Dialysis in Malaysia: Haemodialysis and Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis' here.)

Listen to Part 2 of this conversation on the need to improve the country's transplant system.

Beyond The Diagnosis is a series that goes beyond a medical diagnosis to explore people’s personal experiences, their challenges, as well as the impact of their health condition on their loved ones.

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Malaysia has recorded more than 54,000 dengue cases and 36 deaths as of August this year. One of the factors for the increase in cases is the shift in DENV-3 serotype as the dominant circulating virus. In conjunction with World Mosquito Day on 20 August, we’re exploring what the serotype shift means, and whether Malaysia’s dengue strategy is adequate to protect those most likely to develop serious complications?

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GLP-1 medications and peptides have grown exceedingly popular in recent years, with many celebrities claiming them as effective in helping with weight loss. Are they really as miraculous as they seem, or are there potential side effects that could alter your health for the worse? We speak to Dr Lim Quan Hziung, consultant endocrinologist, to find out more.

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Expecting mothers often hear conflicting opinions on the effects of exercise during pregnancy. How often do you need to exercise during different trimesters? What are the potential risks that can affect your baby? Joining us on the show to answer these questions are Dr Doris Ng, consultant obstetrician & gynaecologist, Dr Arvin Raj, consultant sports medicine physician, and Juli Joe, prenatal & postpartum coach. They’re also founders of Move Through Motherhood, a programme encouraging mothers and mums-to-be to stay active.

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When a workplace wants to welcome more neurodivergent employees, what does this mean? Is it about meeting a hiring quota? Or is it about having a structure that recognises and supports the unique strengths of each employee? We find out how two neurodivergent individuals view their roles within a corporate organisation like PETRONAS, how the company developed its Neurodiverse Centre of Excellence, and how families and the education system need to build the scaffolding for neurodivergent children to transition into adulthood.

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Last month, a 12-year-old boy collapsed and died while taking part in an Under-12 football tournament in Johor Bahru, highlighting the reality that a medical emergency can happen at any time, even during sporting events involving children and amateurs. We speak to Dr Ahmad Munawwar Helmi Salim, consultant sports medicine physician from the National Sports Institute, and Dr Mohd Hafyzuddin Md Yusuf, consultant emergency physician from Universiti Malaya, about what lesson we can take from this to make grassroot sporting events as safe as possible. 

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Description: AI scribes are no longer just taking meeting minutes, but helping doctors take notes during clinic consultations. On the one hand, it can be seen to reduce the administrative tasks a doctor has to do. On the other hand, who takes responsibility if a patient’s medical history is inaccurate and leads to medical malpractice? Consultant urologist Dr George Lee is joined by Dr Ezam Mat Ali, CEO of MedPlanner, and Charlaine Chin, medico-legal lawyer, to explore the ethical and legal considerations of relying on AI scribes during consultations.

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This month, the Selangor state government is rolling out a free breakfast programme in all public schools statewide. This has sparked fresh debate about whether Malaysia needs a universal school feeding programme, especially in light of worrying malnutrition issues among children in Malaysia. We speak to Dr Tee E Siong and Teo Choon Huey from the Nutrition Society of Malaysia (NSM) about its school nutrition programme that’s been running for seven years. Dr Tee and Choon Huey are the Chair and Member, respectively, of NSM’s Malaysia School Nutrition Promotion Programme.

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We’ve all heard that overreliance on technology can affect the brain - and not in a good way. So in a world where many of us use AI every day, and offload cognitive tasks to these LLMs, what does it actually do to our brain? We unpack this with neurogeneticist Dr Azlina Ahmad Annuar.  

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When hormones don’t work as they should as a child grows, that’s where a paediatric endocrinologist comes in. On this episode of Humans of Healthcare, we speak to consultant paediatric endocrinologist Dr Azriyanti Anuar Zaini about how she helps children with hormone-related disorders and illnesses, and why she sees this as a calmer medical career path. 

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Traveling with older adults requires a different kind of itinerary—one that prioritizes health and safety without sacrificing fun. Whether you’re travelling when you’re older or with older family members, planning the trip is more than just what happens during but how you prepare for it too. For this guide to stress-free travel with seniors, we speak to Prof Dr James Koh, consultant infectious diseases physician and Dr Serena In, clinical psychologist.

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Spermageddon. That’s the word that has been used to describe the allegedly drastic decline in male fertility in recent years. But is this just fearmongering or is there truth to this? And if men are worried about their fertility, what can be done about it? Consultant urologist Dr George Lee is joined by Allan Pacey, Professor of Andrology at the University of Manchester to unpack this.

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No one likes to lose, especially if you’re prepared or trained as much as you can to succeed and win. Just think of how Argentina were labelled as ‘sore losers’ after their defeat at the recent Men’s World Cup finals. So why do some of us take losing well, and others don’t? How can we be a better loser and learn from our mistakes? We unpack this with licensed & registered counsellor, Justin Yap.

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Mother kangaroos carry their babies, or joeys, in their pouch for eight to 10 months after birth to keep them safe and help them grow. Scientific evidence now shows that human babies carried by their mothers in a similarly fashioned pouch can be beneficial for breastfeeding, and can even be life-saving for preterm babies. We dive into kangaroo mother care and how mums (and dads as well as extended family members) can do it. Find out more here.

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An irregular heartbeat isn’t just an annoying symptom - it is a sign of a heart that has an abnormal rhythm and isn’t able to pump blood properly throughout the body. Atrial fibrillation is a common cause of abnormal rhythms, and can cause an increased risk of stroke, if it is not well-managed. We hear from Dr Adleen Binti Che Ani about her personal experience of being diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, while Dr Abdul Raqib Bin Abd Ghani, Consultant Cardiologist and Electrophysiologist from Cardiac Vascular Sentral Kuala Lumpur (CVSKL) talks about advancements in treatments. 

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Management consultants Bain & Company’s 2026 report on healthcare trends and opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region, revealing widening tensions across the healthcare system. We speak to Vikram Kapur, Head of Global Healthcare & Life Sciences from Bain & Co to break down the survey’s findings about patients’ expectations, clinicians’ challenges and AI trends in healthcare.

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We know how effective the HPV vaccine can be at preventing 90% of cervical cancer cases. Now a new study from the UK shows that women who receive the vaccine as a teen have virtually zero risk of dying from the cancer before they turn 30. How does this add to what we already know about the benefits of a HPV vaccination? Consultant urologist Dr George Lee is joined by consultant gynaecological oncologist Prof Dr Woo Yin Ling to unpack the results and why we need to vaccinate both girls and boys against HPV.

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When you picture people waiting in front of their computers to buy tickets, you would usually think it's for a pop star's concert. Not anymore. Hyrox and other similar gamified fitness events like Redline have surged in popularity in Malaysia and around the world, with people waiting to buy tickets to participate in an event that they spend months training for. What’s driving this functional fitness craze and does that mean that getting fitter is funner than ever? We speak to Dr Adam Storey, a strength and conditioning specialist as well as senior research fellow at the Sport Research Institute New Zealand at the Auckland University of Technology. Dr Storey also sits on the Hyrox Sports Science Advisory Council.

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The World Cup has wrapped up, ending the 3am matches and hordes of bleary-eyed Malaysians dragging themselves to school and work. While we assume that we can simply rewire our biological clocks by catching up on sleep afterwards, are there hidden effects of the sleep debt on our bodies? We speak to Dr Julius Goh Liang Chye, Consultant ENT Surgeon about the physical and mental health risks, and how these effects become significantly harder to reverse as your sleep debt accumulates.

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One moment, Fasha Ishak could be feeling on top of the world, but in the next, she could find herself completely drained of energy. These are the realities of living with autoimmune disorders. But while her medical conditions may have affected her physically, Fasha ensures that they haven’t robbed her of the ability to live her life. On this episode of Because Feelings Matter, Fasha takes us through her journey of being diagnosed with two autoimmune diseases and scoliosis, while juggling being a caregiver to her mother. 

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Ichthyosis is a rare, genetic condition that causes a person to have dry, scaly skin. But this textbook definition fails to capture the persistent misconceptions and stigma faced by people with ichthyosis. On Beyond The Diagnosis, Mohd Firdaus Mehat, Chairman & Founder of Pertubuhan Kebajikan Pesakit Ichthyosis Malaysia (PEKIM), joins us in a candid conversation about the realities of living with ichthyosis and how his support group helps families learn about managing the condition. 

Beyond The Diagnosis is a series that goes beyond a medical diagnosis to explore people’s personal experiences, their challenges, as well as the impact of their health condition on their loved ones. This episode was produced in collaboration with Suriana Welfare Society, which is supporting individuals and families affected by rare diseases through advocacy and fundraising.

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Our liver is a true workhorse, performing more than 500 functions in the body. But we often take our liver for granted and many of our lifestyle practices can be detrimental to our liver health. In this conversation, we’ll address common beliefs and clear up misconceptions about liver disease, as well as how to maintain good liver health. 

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When your child seems overly sensitive to loud noises, refuses to wear socks, or is fussy with food, is he/she being difficult? Or are these behaviours due to differences in how your child's brain processes sensory information? We discuss how sensory processing difficulties can appear as behavioural problems, and how parents can support children without labelling every difference as a disorder.

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We often think of a nose job or rhinoplasty as a surgery that’s done for cosmetic purposes, but there are circumstances in which it is needed to improve how you breathe. To help us understand what those circumstances are and when a rhinoplasty is a need instead of a want, is consultant ENT surgeon Dr Hardip Singh.

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The Public Accounts Committee’s (PAC) report on rising healthcare costs revealed a number of issues related to private hospitals’ charges, which can potentially contribute to an unsustainable healthcare system. Dr Kamal Amzan, CEO of IHH Healthcare Malaysia, joins us to discuss private hospital billing practices, the causes behind increasing medical inflation and the PAC’s recommendations for improving the sustainability of healthcare costs. 

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Flash floods are so common that they seem like part and parcel of life now but with them comes the increased risk of infectious diseases. That might seem like the least of people’s worries when it floods but water- and food-borne diseases is a public health issue that needs to be addressed. So how can we empower communities to be more aware and resilient? Here to help us unpack that is Dr Rafidah Lani, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya. She also recently headed the FIRST programme which stands for Flood-resilient Initiative for Risk Reduction and Safety: Transfer of Knowledge. 

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A community screening programme has led to the alarming result that almost 9 in 10 individuals have at least two cardiovascular-renal-metabolic risk factors. On top of that, of the individuals who were overweight and pre-diabetic, more than 86% didn’t know about it, highlighting a problem with undiagnosed non-communicable diseases. The question now is: what can we do about this? Here to help us unpack this are Dr Murallitharan Munisamy, medical director of the National Cancer Society of Malaysia, and Dr Sivarajan Ramasamy, Public Health Medicine Specialist, Head of Cardiorenal Metabolic Control Sector, Ministry of Health.

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Orthopaedic surgeons have been dubbed as the ‘carpenters’ of the human body. Why is that so? And how much does that actually describe the work that they do? On this episode of Humans of Healthcare, we speak to Prof Dr Azlina Amir Abbas, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon about the job.

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The increases in healthcare costs and medical insurance premiums are being felt by more and more Malaysians, and piecemeal debates are no longer enough to address the problems. The Public Accounts Committee recently released its report on the causes of rising insurance premiums, their impact on consumers, and recommendations to ensure healthcare and insurance pricing remains fair, transparent, and affordable. We speak to Dr Hajah Halimah Ali, Member of the Public Accounts Committee and Kapar MP on the report and its recommendations.

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Let’s be honest: maintaining friendships requires work, even when it seems effortless. So in a time when we’re all glued to our screens, how have friendships changed? What does it take to keep friends and show them that we care? We speak to licensed and registered counsellor Rozy Khalid to find out.

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It’s commonly accepted that the older you get, the fewer hours of sleep you need. But is that really the case? On this episode of Healthy Ageing, we speak to consultant psychiatrist Dr Wan Izwin Wan Hassan about common myths and misconceptions about sleeping well as you age, and how you can get a good night’s sleep.

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Family planning isn’t just about preventing pregnancies. It's about planning life and making sure that if you want children, you and your spouse are in the best place to do so. In conjunction with World Population Day, we’re taking this opportunity to cut through the misinformation and answer all the questions about contraception and family planning that you’ve thought about but not asked. We speak to consultant urologist Dr George Lee and consultant obstetrician & gynaecologist Dr Hoo Mei Lin. 

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When is a sore throat not just a sore throat? Painful inflammation of the tonsils may not always be a benign, short-lived infection. What happens when episodes of tonsillitis keep coming back, or when there is chronic, long-term inflammation? When is surgery to remove the tonsils necessary? We explore with consultant ENT surgeon Dr Hardip Singh.

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According to OpenAI, over 1.2 million users discuss suicide on ChatGPT every week.  When we read yet another news report of AI encouraging suicidal thoughts or developing emotional relationships with its users, how alarmed should we be about mental health entering an untested and unregulated realm? We speak to Assoc Prof Dr Rebecca Brendel, Director, Center for Bioethics, Harvard Medical School about how the mental health care and regulatory space is having to keep up with the constantly-evolving risks. 

Trigger warning: This discussion will touch on topics of suicide and self-harm. If you, or someone you know, needs emotional support, call the Befrienders KL at 03-76272929 or email sam@befrienders.org.my, or reach out for help within your community. You can also contact Talian HEAL at 15 555 or MIASA at 1-800-1800-66.

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On this month's open clinic show, we look at how and why we sweat, and what causes sweating disorders like hyperhidrosis or prickly heat conditions. We also explore anti-perspirants, deodorants, creams and more.

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Anti-refugee sentiment has sharply increased in recent weeks. Among the claims that have made the rounds is that refugees are taking advantage of our public healthcare system, thus taking limited resources away from Malaysians. But is that really the case? We speak to Dr Susheela Balasundaram, community-based protection officer with UNHCR. Dr Junaidi Ismail, country CEO with Qualitas Medical Group, and Dr Siti Noraida Habibullah, founder of Klinik Amal Muhajir, about what access to healthcare looks like for refugees in Malaysia. 

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When you walk down the aisles at the supermarket, do you notice if the way food products are placed or packaged attracts your attention? Consultant urologist Dr George Lee is joined by nutritionist and public health researcher Dr Sameeha Mohd Jamil from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia to dive into how our food environment influences our food decisions and how food retailers can play their part in making a healthier Malaysia. Dr Sameeha is also part of the South East Asia Obesogenic Food Environment study. 

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For children born with a primary immunodeficiency (PID), a delayed diagnosis can have devastating consequences. We find out why newborn screening and early diagnosis are critical, in a conversation with Bruce Lim, a parent advocate and president of Persatuan Pesakit Imunodefisiensi Primer Malaysia (MYPOPI). Bruce is also a parent to a child with XLA (X Linked Agammaglobulinemia), a type of PID.

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Over 46% of children aged five and below have anaemia in Malaysia, higher than the global average of 40%. It’s a condition that often goes unseen, but it can have a significant impact on children’s health and wellbeing beyond their childhood years. To dive into this condition, particularly iron-deficiency anaemia, we speak to Prof Dr Muhammad Yazid Jalaludin, consultant paediatric endocrinologist at University Malaya Medical Centre, and Muhammad Daniel Kittu, senior researcher at the Social & Economic Research Initiative (SERI).

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As a professor of education, Dr Ratnawati Asraf’s professional calling had never seemed more meaningful than when her own grandchildren were discovered to be neurodivergent. Terms like dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADHD and autism were no longer textbook concepts, but realities that changed the trajectories of her grandchildren and children’s lives. On this episode of Because Feelings Matter, she shares how her views as an educator and a grandparent converged in advocating for inclusive education for neurodivergent children.

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Decades of awareness campaigns have equipped women with the knowledge of how to notice suspicious breast lumps and when to get mammograms done. But what happens when your healthcare workers keep reassuring you that your lump is “nothing to worry about”? Juliet Lau shares how a breast lump she’s had for over a decade became a rare and aggressive cancer, and why she is using this opportunity to also fundraise for the Sarawak Breast Cancer Support Group. We also hear from clinical oncologist Dr Yolanda Augustin. 

You can support the fundraiser here. 

Beyond The Diagnosis is a series that goes beyond a medical diagnosis to explore people’s personal experiences, their challenges, as well as the impact of their health condition on their loved ones. 

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Every day, many children could be struggling with a medical condition that may need urgent, life-saving surgery for them to survive and thrive. Yet, there are still children in Malaysia who are not able to access these highly specialised surgical services. We find out how the Malaysian Association of Paediatric Surgery helps to improve children’s access to surgical care, especially those from underserved communities. 

Sepeda Amal Borneo 2026 is raising funds for the Malaysian Association of Paediatric Surgery. To find out how to donate, visit the website sab.mma.org.my or Facebook and Instagram @SepedaAmalBorneo

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Malaysia has implemented a ban on social media accounts for children under 16, starting 1 June. We look to how Australia has fared six months into their own ban, and whether there’s been real-life impact in terms of children’s access to these platforms. 

Find out how to get a copy of Makchic’s book ‘The Society of Online Superheroes: A Super Smart Guide to Internet Safety’ here.

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Music and dance can be a great way to connect people and get them out of their shell. So what happens when these elements are brought to a community of older adults? On this episode of Healthy Ageing, we dive into how arts-based interventions can help to improve the well-being of older adults, particularly their cognitive health. To do that, we speak to Peny Chan, the co-founder of ArtsProud, a social enterprise aiming to bridge the gap between arts and healthcare. She’s currently based in Dublin, Ireland as an Atlantic Fellow for Equity in Brain Health at Global Brain Health Institute. Also joining us is Prof Dr Rozainee Khairuddin, a cognitive psychologist and Director of the Mental Health and Well-being Impact Lab at Taylor’s University.

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Malaysia’s Ministry of Health has recently confirmed that they are looking into potential sites to build a hospital to serve the Petaling Jaya-Subang Jaya-Puchong corridor, an area which does not currently have a government hospital. But discussions are ongoing and construction will take years, so in the meantime is there another solution to help overburdened hospitals? That’s where the concept of Hospitals-At-Home comes in. To find out more, we speak to Dr Terence Ong, consultant geriatrician and Virtual Ward programme lead at University Malaya Medical Centre, and Dr Stephanie Ko, consultant in general medicine and NUHS@Home lead at National University Hospital in Singapore.

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We’ve been warned that the El Nino phenomenon could lead to an increase in dengue cases due to higher temperatures. In light of the constant threat of dengue, we ask Dr Nor Fariza Ngah, Deputy Director-General of Health (Research and Technical Support), Ministry of Health and Co-Chair of the Dengue Alliance about what’s working and what’s not when it comes to Malaysia’s dengue prevention strategies. We also get an update on the search for dengue treatments, from André Siqueira, Head of the Dengue Global Programme, DNDi.

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Colorectal cancer is the most common cancer among men, and second most common among women in Malaysia, but almost three-quarters of cases are diagnosed at late stages. Is there anything we can do to detect the cancer much earlier and intervene meaningfully? Is Malaysia long overdue for a national colorectal cancer screening programme, and what will it take to get one underway? 

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Donating blood is one of the easiest acts most of us can do to save lives. Yet, Malaysia, like many countries around the world, struggles to get people to do so. In conjunction with World Blood Donor Day, which was observed earlier on 14th June, we’ll be exploring what exactly drives people to donate blood and why capitalising on the ‘warm glow’ that blood donors feel could prove effective. Joining us for this conversation is Eamonn Ferguson, Professor of Health Psychology at the University of Nottingham.

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On this month’s open clinic, consultant orthopaedic surgeon Dr Harjeet Singh joins us to answer your questions about the shoulders - how these joints support our daily arm movements, how our love of badminton and pickleball could lead to shoulder injuries, and when it’s dangerous to shrug off these problems.

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