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The Star
6 days ago
- Health
- The Star
Health survey for seniors
Getting real: The Health Ministry wants to ensure an accurate representation of Malaysia's elderly population and cover multiple health dimensions. — ART CHEN/The Star Nationwide tracker to assess 5,000 people aged 60 and above PETALING JAYA: A nationwide health survey tracking how well Malaysia's growing population of seniors are ageing will start next month. The National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2025 will assess 5,000 respondents aged 60 and above across multiple health dimensions. 'NHMS 2025 is expected to be the most extensive nationwide population-based survey conducted in Malaysia to date in terms of assessing the health status of older persons,' the Health Ministry said in response to questions from The Star. To ensure an accurate representation of Malaysia's elderly population, the survey will involve a stratified sample of older persons across all states and demographic groups. According to the ministry's Institute for Public Health website, the survey will cover cognitive impairment, dementia, depressive symptoms, falls, visual and hearing disabilities. Other topics include diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), hypercholesterolaemia (high cholesterol), social support, quality of life and other issues relevant to older persons. This marks the second time that the ministry's survey will specifically target elderly health issues, following NHMS 2018. Other surveys included older persons but did not make them the primary focus, such as NHMS 2023. The 2023 survey found that two in three older persons had high blood pressure; three in five had high cholesterol; two in five had diabetes; and three in 10 experienced depression. Malaysia is expected to reach an ageing nation status by 2030, when 15% of its population will be aged 60 and above. The ministry said NHMS 2025 will have additional modules on sarcopenia (age-related progressive loss of muscle mass and strength), frailty and ageing well. It also said the inclusion of sarcopenia and frailty assessments will enable early identification of at-risk individuals. The 'ageing well' component will provide a broader perspective on successful ageing by encompassing physical, mental and social well-being. The ministry said the findings of NHMS 2025 will provide inputs for new policies related to older persons and help design targeted interventions. The survey will also reveal modifiable risk factors, including physical inactivity levels and social support availability. In addition, it will set up 2025 baselines for monitoring several national initiatives. These include the Malaysia National Ageing Blueprint and Action Plan, the Older Persons Health Services Action Plan 2023-2030 and the Dementia Action Plan 2023-2030. Participants for NHMS 2025 will be chosen by the Statistics Department, with data collection to take place from July to September. The ministry said the findings of the survey are tentatively scheduled for release by June next year.
The Star
07-06-2025
- Health
- The Star
Keeping illness off our plates
Safety first: A food service worker wearing a cap, mask, and gloves at a restaurant in Petaling Jaya. — ART CHEN/The Star PETALING JAYA: With an average of 1.6 million people worldwide falling ill every day due to foodborne diseases, the need to focus on food safety has grown more important this World Food Safety Day. According to the World Health Organisation's World Food Safety Day report, at least 600 million people also fall ill annually from consuming contaminated food, with the cost to treat victims estimated at US$15bil (RM63.4bil). ParkCity Medical Centre Dietetics and Food Services unit head Ng Kar Foo said that weather and humidity play a role. 'Managing factors that allow germs to grow are key to food safety,' he said, adding that to prevent contamination, food also needs to be covered properly. He also backed Singapore's guidelines on food safety where cooked food should not be kept at room temperature for more than four hours. 'Those foods should be discarded after four hours. The four hours start from the time that the food is ready from the stove,' he added. Amid growing concerns, Malaysian eateries are also stepping up efforts to prioritise hygiene and food safety ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM 2026). Petaling Jaya Coffeeshop Association president Keu Kok Meng said its association members adhere to a check list of hygiene practices that prioritise food safety. This includes ensuring all their workers get the mandatory typhoid vaccination once every three years along with taking a food handling course. 'All stalls are also regulated to ensure cooked and uncooked food is stored separately at all times with the containers fully labelled so we know when a batch is cooked or prepped. 'We also mandate that all our members have pest control services visit eateries monthly to check for any rat or cockroach infestation. 'Despite our efforts, rodent infestation is still a frequent problem due to all the uncovered drains near eateries, and I hope the local councils can help to cover them,' he said, adding that staff are also instructed to clean their eatery toilets every few hours each day. He said that they were also hoping to encourage their members to reintroduce mandatory face masks for workers to further reduce chances of contamination of food. Malaysian Muslim Restaurant Owners Association (Presma) president Datuk Jawahar Ali Taib Khan said all restaurants under the association similarly adhere to strict hygiene protocols to ensure customers' health. 'Cleanliness is not only about hygiene – it's also about upholding trust. Our patrons, whether locals or tourists, must feel confident that the food they consume is safe and prepared under the highest standards,' he said. Jawahar said some of the hygiene protocols include the use of separate ladles and utensils for each dish to avoid cross-contamination, especially between vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. 'We also ensure that all restaurants have a weekly deep cleaning of kitchen equipment, exhaust hoods, storage areas and drains. 'Staff must wash their hands frequently and use gloves or utensils when handling ready-to-eat food,' he said. He added that Presma was looking to enhance its hygiene efforts ahead of VM2026, such as introducing the adoption of a voluntary hygiene grading system and eco-friendly and sanitary kitchen practices. 'This will be a crucial time to showcase Malaysia's hospitality and food plays a central role in that experience, so ensuring our restaurants are clean, safe and welcoming will enhance tourists' confidence and encourage repeat visits. 'Our aim is to position Malaysian eateries as models of cleanliness and quality as we prepare to welcome the world in 2026,' he added.
The Star
22-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
RM1 doughnuts too sweet to resist
Frenz Donut stall is in Kampung Baru Lanjut, Sepang. — Photos: ART CHEN/The Star Sepang stall run by former hotel culinary staff offers a variety at low price IF there is one sweet treat that has truly stood the test of time, it is the classic sugar doughnut. With its golden, crisp exterior, soft, pillowy centre and delicate dusting of sugar, the doughnut has come far from its humble beginnings. What started as a simple bakery staple has become food for the imagination in creative interpretations. Some are filled with cream or jam, dipped in rich chocolate, glazed with matcha or infused with bold flavours from around the world. Mohd Fauzan (left) and Zulkhairi showing their signature doughnuts and 'popiah' varieties. Yet amid all the innovations, the classic sugar doughnut remains a timeless comfort food. For many, it's the perfect companion with afternoon tea –warm, familiar and satisfying. Craving for one? In Kampung Baru Lanjut, Sepang in Selangor, a stall named Frenz Donut serves these sugary delights at a price that is just as sweet. It is run by two former hotel culinary staff with a passion for good food and an enterprising spirit, who prove that simple pleasures never go out of style. Fried 'pau' with red bean or sardine filling is also for sale at RM1 each. Zulkhairi Abd Ghaffar said they initially experimented with selling various food items but it was the doughnut that resonated most with customers, so they decided to make it their signature offering. 'My business partner Mohd Fauzan Awang@Abdul Aziz was a pastry chef at a hotel before we decided to venture out on our own. 'We experimented with the doughnut recipe and tested it with friends and family, before finalising the varieties for sale,' said Zulkhairi. There are four types of doughnuts sold at Frenz Donut stall, namely sugar, cinnamon sugar, red velvet, and milk, priced at RM1 each. Burger Malaysia is sold in a set of four pieces for RM5. The doughnuts are lightly crisp on the outside and coated in a fine layer of granulated sugar that adds just the right amount of sweetness without overwhelming the palate. The inside is soft and airy, with a slight chew. Many customers have remarked that the price of their doughnuts is cheap, Zulkhairi said. In response, he said their overhead costs were minimal, which allowed them to keep prices low while still earning a decent income. 'However, we have added more food items on the menu that are also sold for RM1 each, to offer variety. 'We have two types of savoury popiah, namely chicken bulgogi and carbonara. 'We also have fried pau with red bean or sardine sambal filling,' he said. 'Our latest addition is Burger Malaysia, which is sold as a set of four pieces for RM5,' Zulkhairi added. The stall opens from 2pm to 6.30pm daily, except Fridays.
The Star
21-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Malaysia Aviation Group receives ISO certification for anti-bribery system
MAG Group managing director Datuk Captain Izham Ismail — ART CHEN/The Star KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) has become the first Malaysian airline group to achieve the ISO 37001:2016 Anti-Bribery Management System (ABMS) certification. According to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the certification is an internationally recognised standard for the implementation of anti-bribery management systems within an organisation. MAG said in a statement the certification currently applies to group-level functions involving governance, risk, compliance, sustainability, and leadership, with controls in place to manage bribery risks across high-impact areas such as procurement, vendor engagement, and third-party interactions. "An effective anti-bribery system must be driven from the top. This certification is not just a formality—it is a firm declaration of our zero-tolerance stance against bribery, fraud, and corruption. "ISO 37001 reinforces the controls we have built into every part of our operations, from procurement and policymaking to how we engage with partners be it in Malaysia or our international offices," said MAG group managing director Datuk Captain Izham Ismail. MAG's certification process was strongly supported by its board of directors and group executive committee, and included a detailed corruption risk assessment, the formation of a dedicated Working group committee, and the development of the ABMS framework. This was complemented by 16 training sessions, workshops, and awareness campaigns rolled out across key business functions to embed the principles of integrity throughout the organisation. MAG also operates a publicly accessible whistleblowing platform, providing a safe and confidential channel for reporting suspected misconduct. Within the organisation, the Group Business Integrity unit currently has two Certified Integrity Officers (CeIOs), with plans to certify more personnel across departments to ensure the ABMS is sustained and embedded throughout the Group. The group now aims to progressively expand the certification scope to include other business pillars and entities, with the goal of fostering a business ecosystem grounded in integrity and ethical conduct across all touchpoints.
The Star
19-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
A shot in the arm for healthcare access
Community-led initiatives offer free ambulance and transport services to medical facilities in Subang Jaya, Shah Alam. THERE is growing demand for transport services to healthcare facilities for medical emergencies and hospital appointments. Community-led initiatives seek to bridge gaps in instances where hospitals are located far from residential areas or ambulances are unavailable. These locally managed services provide faster response times during emergencies and support residents in need of transport for medical check-ups and treatments while catering to people with mobility challenges. Going the extra mile: SJ Beacon's paramedics ensuring their equipment is in tip-top condition to handle any emergency in Subang Jaya. — ART CHEN/The Star Such efforts help reduce the load on hospital ambulances, especially for non-critical cases. With these community initiatives in place, medical facilities have the flexibility to allocate their emergency resources where they are most needed. StarMetro spoke to a city council and non-governmental organisation, which have been operating for several years now, to better understand the services offered, impact on residents and how other communities with similar challenges could learn from them. MBSA's free service The free community transport service by Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) is marking its 10th anniversary this year. Since its inception, city council vans have made over 2,000 trips ferrying residents in Shah Alam for medical appointments. MBSA Community Development Department director Shahrin Ahmad said the service was aimed at providing transport for people with disabilities and senior citizens in Shah Alam. He said the service was designed particularly for those from underprivileged groups who had to go for their medical appointments and dialysis treatments. 'We saw a need for this service as there were senior citizens living alone or had no one to take them for their medical appointments. 'It is also costly for them to rely on e-hailing rides,' he said. The council-initiated community project started in 2015 with two vehicles – a modified van and multipurpose vehicle (MPV). The fleet has since increased to three vehicles. Driver Shazali loading a wheelchair into one of the modified vans used in MBSA's free community transport service. A fourth one, a van, will be acquired by July. Shahrin said it cost about RM250,000 to buy a new van and modify it to fit in a tail lift to transport wheelchair-bound people. It also has special seat belts for the wheelchair. The modified van can accommodate a driver, one wheelchair user and a companion while the MPV can take in three passengers and a driver. 'The service is available on weekdays, from 8.30am to 5pm, by appointment only, with bookings to be made two weeks in advance,' said Shahrin. 'One vehicle handles one appointment per day, meaning we can only handle a maximum of three appointments daily. 'The patients typically have conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes, require dialysis treatment or need to pick up prescribed medication,' he said, adding that they could not ferry those who were bedridden. Shahrin said the drivers could manage wheelchair-bound passengers but were not trained as emergency responders. The cost for the community transport service is entirely borne by MBSA, including fuel and vehicle maintenance as well as toll fare. Shahrin says MBSA's medical transport service has expanded to 22 locations. Initially, the service covered eight locations but it has now expanded to 22 locations since last year. Most of the locations are hospitals, health clinics and dialysis centres in Shah Alam, with a few medical facilities in neighbouring cities such as Petaling Jaya and Klang. 'The most popular locations are Hospital Shah Alam, Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah in Klang and University Malaya Medical Centre in Petaling Jaya. 'We expanded the drop-off points to include dialysis centres last year due to demand,' said Shahrin, adding that there had been special requests for drop-offs to further locations like the National Cancer Institute in Putrajaya. The service, he said, made 91 trips when it started in 2015 and peaked in 2023 with 480 trips. From January to April 30, there were 121 trips, making the total number of trips recorded over 10 years to 2,445. Driver Shazali Ayub said many passengers were thankful for the service, with some moved to tears when expressing their gratitude. Some would even offer to buy him a drink, which he has always declined, Shazali said. 'As the programme's pioneer driver, I have also trained colleagues, who joined later, on handling passengers and managing the tail lift. 'The van's maximum speed limit is 90km per hour, as driving faster could compromise the wheelchair user's safety,' he added. Shazali said the three drivers had built close rapport with the regulars, so much so that some passengers would request for specific drivers to pick them up. He said there were times when drivers would learn of a regular passenger's passing only upon calling the contact number to enquire why they had not requested a pickup for some time. To book the MBSA transport service, call 03-5522 2732 or WhatsApp 010-353 3129. SJ Beacon ambulance Subang Jaya Bomba Emergen-cy Assistance Community, better known as SJ Beacon, offers a dedicated ambulance service to address urgent healthcare access issues due to Subang Jaya's distance from major public hospitals. It is run by a team of full-time and part-time staff and volunteers, supported by a committee that is focused on fundraising and operations. SJ Beacon deputy president Kelvin Chew said they offer primarily free ambulance services for emergency medical cases in Subang Jaya. 'Some of the emergency cases we handle are traffic accidents, heart attacks, sudden collapses or seizures, falls at home and even childbirth. 'Victims or patients are usually sent to Hospital Shah Alam while those who require specialist treatments will be sent to Hospital Serdang or Hospital Sungai Buloh. 'Some are sent to the two private hospitals in Subang Jaya upon request or if they have records there,' added Chew. Chew says SJ Beacon primarily offers free ambulance services during emergencies. SJ Beacon operates via two hotline numbers and typical response time is less than 10 minutes. Its area of operation is within the Subang Jaya constituency that covers SS12 to SS19, USJ1 to USJ22 and PJS7 to PJS11. Chew said the organisation started off as a community firefighting initiative where its volunteers trained with the Subang Jaya Fire and Rescue Department. The evolution to ambulance services was driven by an urgent need, he said. He said the goal was to provide emergency services for the township. 'Before this, ambulance arrival took at least 45 minutes, sometimes longer or not at all, which was often too late. 'We began operating in late 2017 using a still functional ambulance donated by Subang Jaya Medical Centre (SJMC). Shazali (standing) demonstrating how the tail lift in one of MBSA's modified vans is used to move a wheelchair user into the vehicle. 'We acquired a second ambulance thanks to a well-wisher who donated RM350,000 to buy a new vehicle,' he said. Chew said SJ Beacon relies on public donations to run its core service. SJ Beacon, he said, provides non-emergency patient transfer services and first aid training to corporations for a fee. 'The private transfer service is priced from RM200 per trip. 'The charges depend on distance, equipment and services needed, such as whether the person has limited mobility or needs oxygen supply. Paramedic Thu Thiri Khit checking medical kits to ensure all equipment is functioning in SJ Beacon's ambulances. 'While there have been fundraising events where SJ Beacon was the beneficiary – the bulk of our funds still come from corporate and individual donations,' he said, adding that the NGO was in need of at least RM30,000 a month for medical equipment, fuel, staff salaries and vehicle maintenance. Chew, who is also USJ13 Rukun Tetangga chairman, said only the paramedics earn a salary. 'We are constantly looking for qualified people to serve as paramedics,' he said. 'We welcome doctors waiting for their housemanship posting or those with experience as St John Ambulance of Malaysia (SJAM) or Red Crescent members to help.' Despite joining SJ Beacon in early 2018, paramedic Mahendran Pillay Veerasingam said no two days were the same and he still finds himself learning something new every day. Mahendran ensuring that the oxygen tanks are functioning during a routine check of one of SJ Beacon's ambulances. 'A full day's shift starts at 8am and ends at 8pm. 'I start my day by ensuring the ambulances are clean, equipment functioning and medical kit stocked. 'A busy day sees us responding to seven to eight cases,' he said, adding that a shift would comprise a team of three persons. Mahendran said he had dealt with horrific traffic accidents, helped a pregnant woman with a home delivery and handled several attempted suicide cases. 'When responding to emergency cases, our team members also have to look out for their personal safety and assess whether the situation is safe for us to do our work. 'If it is a slow day, I will use the time to attend or read up on related training, programmes or certification to ensure my skills and knowledge are up to date,' he said, adding that he was also one of the seniors tasked with mentoring younger paramedics. SJ Beacon is in the process of applying for tax exemption status to encourage more donations. It also plans to have education and awareness programmes to teach community leaders basic first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation skills. Its hotline numbers are 018-914 4699/ 018-201 4699. To donate or sign up as a paramedic, visit
