By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Nov 15: Sarawak Bumiputera communities are facing an alarming diabetes prevalence of 17.2 per cent, meaning 17 in every 100 Bumiputera Sarawakians are affected, placing the community above the national average.
In a post shared on his social media, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the figure is a stark reminder that Sarawak is not spared from the worsening diabetes epidemic gripping Asia, the world’s hardest-hit region.
He noted that Malaysia recorded a national diabetes prevalence of 15.6 per cent in 2023, already one of the highest rates in ASEAN.
“This means 15 people in every 100 Malaysians are affected. Sarawak and Malaysia are sadly part of the epidemic. But you do not need to become part of the statistic. Diabetes can be prevented, and its complications can be prevented,” he emphasised during the World Diabetes Day 2025 celebration on Friday night (Nov 14).
Dr Sim, who also serves as Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, officiated the illumination of the Darul Hana Bridge at the Kuching Waterfront in bright blue, the global colour symbolising diabetes awareness and unity.
He said this year’s theme, “Diabetes and Well-Being”, captures the urgent need to address the wide-ranging complications of uncontrolled diabetes.
“Diabetes causes complications like heart attacks, kidney failure with 60–70 per cent of dialysis patients in Sarawak being diabetics, stroke, blindness and limb amputations,” he said.
Dr Sim urged Sarawakians to adopt lifestyle changes, including reducing carbohydrate intake such as rice, bread, and noodles; cutting sugar in beverages and desserts; and engaging in regular physical activity to “burn more sugar” from daily diets.
He added that preventing diabetes complications requires strict control of blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol, alongside quitting smoking or vaping.
“Even though we are from the jungles of Borneo, we join the world in doing our part for World Diabetes Day. We need every Sarawakian to be healthy for Sarawak’s nation-building,” he added.
The blue illumination of the Darul Hana Bridge forms part of a statewide awareness campaign aimed at reminding the public of the growing threat of diabetes and inspiring healthier living among all communities. — DayakDaily
