KUALA LUMPUR: The financial returns of government investment in non-communicable disease (NCD) prevention are significant, according to a new government report.
"For every RM1 spent (on initiatives), the government gains returns of RM60 from salt reduction efforts, RM6.60 from physical activity controls and RM6 from tobacco reduction," said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad at the launch of the 'Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases in Malaysia: The Case for Investment' report at Parliament's Banquet Hall here today (Nov 14).
Dzulkefly said the savings were based on the amount a hypothetical patient would save on healthcare expenses, whether at public or private institutions, according to past data.
He said NCD complications, such as fatigue, blurred vision and increased infection risks, lead to substantial economic losses.
"These diseases not only burden the healthcare system, but also cause absenteeism, reduced productivity and premature deaths, resulting in RM51.8 billion in indirect costs," Dzulkefly said.
He highlighted the new initiatives launched this year, including the "War on Sugar" campaign and the upcoming "Nutri-Grade", which will complement the existing "Healthier Choice" logo programme that aims to promote healthier food choices.
The Health Ministry also briefed members of parliament on the enforcement of the Tobacco Product Control for Public Health Act 2024, which came into effect on Oct 1, and the National Lung Health Initiative 2025–2030.
Earlier, during a session in the Dewan Rakyat, Dzulkefly said the government spent more than RM150,000 to treat an individual suffering from e-cigarette or vaping use-associated lung injuries.
He added that treatment costs were projected to rise to RM369 million annually by 2030 if no control measures were taken against the use of electronic cigarettes or vapes.