Latest news with #MurallitharanMunisamy
Asia News Network
a day ago
- Health
- Asia News Network
Most Malaysian women still unaware of risks of cervical cancer, HPV
July 23, 2025 PETALING JAYA – The biggest barrier to preventing cervical cancer and human papillomavirus (HPV) is the failure to recognise personal risk, says Prof Dr Murallitharan Munisamy. The National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) managing director said many women wrongly believe they are not at risk because they feel healthy. 'The gap lies in the perception that I'm healthy, so I don't see the need for vaccination or screening. 'Another issue is ignorance – many assume HPV is only spread through sex, and since they have only one partner, they believe they're not at risk,' he said. He was responding to Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad's statement that more than 10,500 Malaysian women tested positive for HPV over the past five years through cervical cancer screening efforts. Dr Murallitharan also said many women are willing to spend on spas or beauty treatments but hesitate to invest in health screenings or vaccinations. He said following the success of the 'Leaving No One Behind' HPV vaccination programme last year, NCSM plans to partner with general practitioners to offer 70% subsidies for screenings. 'We are changing our approach. Instead of waiting for patients to come to us, we'll go to them,' he said. Echoing the concern, Malaysian Council for Child Welfare advisor Datuk Dr Raj Abdul Karim said many women do not take their health seriously enough. 'Many women don't realise that silent blood pressure or diabetes affects your health and even cancer can be invisible at times. 'As such, we need more advocacy and programmes for women on this, to emphasise that even if they feel well, they still need to get screening,' she added. She said the HPV vaccine can prevent high-risk strains linked to cervical cancer. 'So we need to accelerate the intake of the vaccine and have access to more screening among women, since cervical cancer is preventable,' she added. Dr Raj also recommended regular Pap smears for women aged 20 to 50, especially those who are sexually active. She said HPV DNA self-sampling could help eliminate cultural taboos and expand access for rural and vulnerable groups. Women's Aid Organisation executive director Nazreen Nizam said the conversation must shift from blaming women to addressing the systemic inequalities that limit access to healthcare. She said despite the introduction of the HPV vaccine in 2019, the lack of consistent and widespread public education has left many women unaware of its importance or how to access it. 'The government must invest in sustained, multilingual and culturally relevant public awareness campaigns, and ensure that screening services and vaccines are free or subsidised for all women, regardless of their citizenship or location. 'One possibility is to introduce age-based automatic subsidies for screenings, integrated into existing public healthcare systems and even GP clinics, so that it becomes part of routine care. 'But access alone isn't enough – the healthcare environment must also be safe, non-judgmental and respectful of women's autonomy and lived realities,' she said. HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer, and any sexually active person can contract it. In Malaysia, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women aged 15 to 44.
The Star
a day ago
- Health
- The Star
Most Malaysian women still unaware
PETALING JAYA: The biggest barrier to preventing cervical cancer and human papillomavirus (HPV) is the failure to recognise personal risk, says Prof Dr Murallitharan Munisamy. The National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) managing director said many women wrongly believe they are not at risk because they feel healthy. 'The gap lies in the perception that I'm healthy, so I don't see the need for vaccination or screening. 'Another issue is ignorance – many assume HPV is only spread through sex, and since they have only one partner, they believe they're not at risk,' he said. He was responding to Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad's statement that more than 10,500 Malaysian women tested positive for HPV over the past five years through cervical cancer screening efforts. Dr Murallitharan also said many women are willing to spend on spas or beauty treatments but hesitate to invest in health screenings or vaccinations. He said following the success of the 'Leaving No One Behind' HPV vaccination programme last year, NCSM plans to partner with general practitioners to offer 70% subsidies for screenings. 'We are changing our approach. Instead of waiting for patients to come to us, we'll go to them,' he said. Echoing the concern, Malaysian Council for Child Welfare advisor Datuk Dr Raj Abdul Karim said many women do not take their health seriously enough. 'Many women don't realise that silent blood pressure or diabetes affects your health and even cancer can be invisible at times. 'As such, we need more advocacy and programmes for women on this, to emphasise that even if they feel well, they still need to get screening,' she added. She said the HPV vaccine can prevent high-risk strains linked to cervical cancer. 'So we need to accelerate the intake of the vaccine and have access to more screening among women, since cervical cancer is preventable,' she added. Dr Raj also recommended regular Pap smears for women aged 20 to 50, especially those who are sexually active. She said HPV DNA self-sampling could help eliminate cultural taboos and expand access for rural and vulnerable groups. Women's Aid Organisation executive director Nazreen Nizam said the conversation must shift from blaming women to addressing the systemic inequalities that limit access to healthcare. She said despite the introduction of the HPV vaccine in 2019, the lack of consistent and widespread public education has left many women unaware of its importance or how to access it. 'The government must invest in sustained, multilingual and culturally relevant public awareness campaigns, and ensure that screening services and vaccines are free or subsidised for all women, regardless of their citizenship or location. 'One possibility is to introduce age-based automatic subsidies for screenings, integrated into existing public healthcare systems and even GP clinics, so that it becomes part of routine care. 'But access alone isn't enough – the healthcare environment must also be safe, non-judgmental and respectful of women's autonomy and lived realities,' she said. HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer, and any sexually active person can contract it. In Malaysia, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women aged 15 to 44.
Malay Mail
02-05-2025
- Health
- Malay Mail
Public health first, tobacco control council says after vape industry captain cries foul over potential RM1.8b losses
KUALA LUMPUR, May 2 — The Malaysian Council for Tobacco Control (MCTC) today urged the government to prioritise public health over economic interests tied to the vape industry, following growing pushback from industry players over impending state-level vape bans. Dr Murallitharan Munisamy, president of MCTC, said that the economic arguments put forth by the vape industry should not overshadow the long-term health consequences of continued vape product availability. 'Protecting public health must remain a core national priority—above and beyond the profit-driven interests of the vape industry,' he stressed in a statement. His remarks come in response to a report published by Utusan Malaysia yesterday, titled 'Haram Jual, Industri Vape Bakal Rugi Lebih RM1.8 Bilion' ('Ban on Sale, Vape Industry to Lose Over RM1.8 Billion'), which highlighted concerns from industry stakeholders who warned that state-level bans could lead to the collapse of the vape sector, potentially affecting around 1,300 shops and costing over RM1.8 billion in losses. Several states, including Johor, Kelantan, and Terengganu, have already imposed bans on vape sales under the new Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), with Perlis, Kedah, Penang, and Selangor reportedly considering similar moves. The Malaysian Vape Chamber of Commerce secretary Ridhwan Rosli told Utusan Malaysia yesterday that the state vape bans are premature, unfairly penalise licensed businesses, and could exacerbate the illegal sale of vape products, including those laced with drugs like 'magic mushrooms'. Dr Murallitharan, however, said the broader implications for public health are too severe to ignore. 'Studies have shown that the cost of treating smoking-related illnesses in Malaysia reaches RM8 billion annually, nearly four times the tax revenue collected from tobacco products,' he said. He also pointed to the growing evidence that both traditional tobacco and vaping contribute significantly to chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and respiratory conditions, not only among users but also among non-smokers exposed to secondhand aerosols. 'According to the World Health Organization (WHO), smoking-related products are responsible for up to 40 per cent loss in workforce productivity due to premature deaths, absenteeism, and reduced work capacity,' he added. Dr Murallitharan further warned of environmental repercussions, citing the hazards posed by disposable vape devices, which often contain lithium batteries and toxic chemicals. He reiterated that while economic considerations and regulatory implementation are important, they should not derail urgent public health measures. 'We cannot allow business interests to dictate health policy. The government must remain steadfast in putting the well-being of the rakyat first,' he said.
