logo
KPJ Healthcare aims 70% business volume from age-related, NCD cases this year

KPJ Healthcare aims 70% business volume from age-related, NCD cases this year

The Star3 days ago

KUALA LUMPUR: KPJ Healthcare Bhd expects age-related and non-communicable disease (NCD) cases to contribute about 70 per cent of its business volume this year.
Its president and managing director Chin Keat Chyuan said that currently, about 15 per cent of Malaysia's general population is aged 60 and above.
"Age comes with many associated diseases like NCDs, the three highs that we always talk about, namely high blood sugar, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.
"And all these lead to many potential issues, including oncology problems such as cancer, which is a major concern facing Malaysians,' he said in a press conference after KPJ Healthcare's 32nd annual general meeting and extraordinary general meeting, here today.
Chin said these challenges represent opportunities for private healthcare providers to better serve the Malaysian population, including addressing international healthcare risk factors.
"This represents a huge opportunity, and in 2025, KPJ will continue to expand our capacity, both in terms of the number of clinicians we have and the services we offer,' he said.
He added that NCDs such as heart and lung diseases, neurological conditions, strokes, cancer, and orthopaedic issues provide KPJ with opportunities to serve patients using advanced surgical and medical solutions.
Commenting on medical tourism, Chin said KPJ is also targeting patients from Indonesia.
"I am also targeting the potential 20 per cent of Indonesia's 270 million population, that is 54 million people, who are currently travelling outside Indonesia, to seek treatment in countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
"And according to data from the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council, more than 40 per cent of those Indonesian patients are coming to Malaysia, which is contributing significantly to our health tourism industry,' he said.
He said that this is an immediate business opportunity, especially as the group expands its workforce and increases the number of beds in its hospitals.
"We are (also) optimising all the assets we have, such as magnetic resonance imaging machines, computed tomography scanners, and other technologies we have invested in,' he added.
Also present at the press conference were KPJ Healthcare chairman Tan Sri Dr Ismail Bakar and chief financial officer Mohd Khairul Izzad Mohammed Shamsudin. - Bernama

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Make CPR a compulsory subject in schools, St John Ambulance S'wak chairman to federal govt
Make CPR a compulsory subject in schools, St John Ambulance S'wak chairman to federal govt

Borneo Post

time2 hours ago

  • Borneo Post

Make CPR a compulsory subject in schools, St John Ambulance S'wak chairman to federal govt

Yao delivers the speech. Also seen is the event's organizing chairman Dr Shehab Phung (seated, right). KUCHING (June 30): St John Ambulance Sarawak chairman and commander Datuk Seri Ang Lai Soon appealed to the federal government to make cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) a compulsory subject in schools. Ang said his early proposal was fully supported by the then-federal Ministry of Education, but due to the several changes in federal government leadership, it was not implemented. 'The Ministry of Education was always open to ideas to improve the country's education system,' he said in his speech during the closing ceremony of the St John Ambulance First Aid and Home Nursing Competition 2025 at St John Ambulance Sarawak headquarters here yesterday. His text-of-speech was delivered by St John Ambulance Sarawak deputy chairman Datuk Dr Yao Sik Chi. Ang however was confident the newly-elected federal government would follow up on the proposal, as CPR education was a major health concern rather than a political issue. He said implementing the initiative would require minimal cost, but could benefit thousands of Malaysians across all levels of society. 'With more people trained in CPR, ambulances would not need to hold up traffic; doctors, nurses and supporting staff are less stressed; millions and millions of dollars would be saved by the government and the private sector — it is a win-win situation,' he said. He pointed out that Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah had also given her support for CPR being made a necessary skill for youths to learn. 'She said it could be incorporated as a component under the physical and health education subject and could be made compulsory for students.' Ang hoped to garner the full support of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim; federal Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, who is also St John Ambulance Malaysia deputy president; Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg; and Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian for the CPR training proposal to be legislated in Parliament on a non-partisan basis with support from all MPs. He added that a budget for the supply of free automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to certain designated places should be tabled in the parliament. 'Once implemented, it would be a milestone in the history of health care in the country. Other countries can follow us,' he said.

Imported fruits getting too pricey? Here are local alternatives that outshine them in nutrition
Imported fruits getting too pricey? Here are local alternatives that outshine them in nutrition

Malay Mail

time2 hours ago

  • Malay Mail

Imported fruits getting too pricey? Here are local alternatives that outshine them in nutrition

KUALA LUMPUR, June 30 — With the revised and expanded Sales and Service Tax (SST) on imported goods set to take effect next month, Malaysians are bracing for a significant increase in the prices of imported fruits. Earlier this month, the government announced a targeted SST review that will take effect on July 1, 2025, which will include imported fruits, except apples and oranges. With the new taxes in place, consumers may find imported fruits like berries, grapes, and cherries becoming more expensive. However, Malaysia has a diverse range of local fruits that not only rival but often surpass their imported counterparts in nutritional value. As a result, budget-conscious Malaysians may turn to these local alternatives, which offer both flavour and nutrition. Local fruits that beat imports While enjoying a diverse array of fruits from around the world is certainly a delightful experience, it's equally important to recognise and appreciate the worthy options found locally. Here's a list of local fruits that can be a great alternative to their imported counterparts in terms of nutrition and minerals: Apples vs guava While apples are often branded as a healthy fruit for their fibre content and low-calorie count, guava steps up with even higher fibre and an impressive vitamin C boost, offering antioxidant benefits that surpass those of apples. For comparison, 100g of guava contains 5.4g of dietary fibre compared to an apple, which only has 2.4g. The same amount of guava also has an impressive 228mg of vitamin C, while apple only has 4.6mg. Blueberries vs mangosteen Known for their antioxidant properties, blueberries are often sought after for their antioxidant content. Mangosteen, with its potent xanthones, offers similar antioxidant benefits plus additional anti-inflammatory effects. Research suggests that xanthones offer a range of potential health benefits, including anti-cancer, and antimicrobial properties. Grapes vs langsat Grapes are a popular source of antioxidants and Vitamin K, responsible for bone health and the healing of injuries. Langsat, on the other hand, offers similar benefits, plus it contains B vitamins that are crucial for energy production. Strawberries vs rambutan Both these fruits are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. Rambutan also offers vitamin A and other minerals such as manganese, copper, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Orange vs papaya Papaya is a great substitute for oranges when it comes to vitamin C content. For comparison, 100g of papaya provides over 60mg of vitamin C, which is about 20 per cent higher than an equivalent serving of orange. Malaysia boasts a variety of local fruits that offer superior nutrition and minerals compared to their imported counterparts. — Picture by Firdaus Latif Do imported fruits have higher nutritional value? Despite a common perception that imported fruits are more premium, largely due to their exotic appeal and higher price tags, local fruits may often be a fresher alternative to their imported counterparts. The perceived superiority of imported fruits is often linked to branding and prestige, overlooking key aspects such as freshness and nutritional value in homegrown fruits. Additionally, imported fruits, by nature of their long journey from their country of origin, must go through rigorous logistical processes to reach Malaysian shelves. These processes often include treatments like waxing and deep freezing to stretch shelf life. For instance, apples and citrus fruits are sometimes coated with a thin layer of wax to preserve moisture and maintain their appearance during the multi-week shipping transit, haulage, and sorting before they hit the shelves. Such processes and the lengthy journey can often impact their taste, texture or even nutritional value. In contrast, Malaysian fruits, being locally grown and harvested, offer greater freshness. Often picked at peak ripeness, the short supply chain from local farms to markets means that they are less likely to undergo any preservation processes, making them an even healthier option.

Urine drug testing is the gold standard
Urine drug testing is the gold standard

The Star

time2 hours ago

  • The Star

Urine drug testing is the gold standard

THE Academy of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Malaysia (AOEMM) wishes to respond to the article published by The Star titled ''Blood tests preferred for vocational driving licence'' (June 28; online at While we fully support efforts to enhance road safety and reduce substance misuse-related incidents among vocational drivers, AOEMM believes that urine drug testing remains the most practical, cost- effective, and internationally accepted method for routine drug screening. For over 15 years, AOEMM has been actively involved in training Malaysian medical and occupational safety practitioners in workplace drug testing, following established international standards, including US Department of Transportation (US DOT) regulations. These protocols – recognised globally as the gold standard for safety-sensitive industries – specifically endorse urine, and more recently oral fluid, as the primary specimens for drug testing. Blood testing is not approved under US DOT guidelines for routine workplace screening due to its shorter detection window, higher cost, and more invasive collection process.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store