SHAH ALAM, April 12 — The cost of treating end-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Malaysia has risen sharply, from RM572 million in 2010 to RM3.3 billion annually today, driven by a steady increase in cases over the years.
SHAH ALAM, April 12 — The cost of treating end-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Malaysia has risen sharply, from RM572 million in 2010 to RM3.3 billion annually today, driven by a steady increase in cases over the years.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the trend reflects not only a growing burden on the healthcare system but also a serious impact on patients’ quality of life.
“In 2010, Malaysia spent RM572 million on treating end-stage CKD, but today the figure has risen to RM3.3 billion annually.
“This burden affects patients’ quality of life and places a very heavy financial strain on the country,” he said when officiating the National World Kidney Day 2026 observance at Wisma Majlis Bandaraya Shah Alam (MBSA) today.
He noted that CKD prevalence in Malaysia has also climbed significantly, from nine per cent in 2011 to 15.5 per cent last year.
On average, he said, 28 Malaysians are diagnosed with kidney failure daily and require dialysis to survive.
“More than five million Malaysians are living with CKD, but only five per cent are aware of it. If we do not act decisively, more than 106,000 Malaysians are expected to require dialysis by 2040, which is highly alarming,” he said.
Dzulkefly stressed that prevention remains key in reducing the disease burden, noting that diabetes complications are the leading cause of kidney failure in Malaysia.
He added that patients cannot rely solely on dialysis without addressing underlying causes such as diabetes.
To curb the issue, he said the government has raised the sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) tax to 90 sen per litre effective Jan 1, 2025.
Revenue from the tax reached RM54.9 million in 2025, with RM21 million channelled back to the Health Ministry.
He added that the funds are being used to support treatment involving Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, which help reduce the risk of CKD complications.
Earlier, Dzulkefly officiated the national-level World Kidney Day 2026 event organised by the National Kidney Foundation (NKF), also attended by Selangor Public Health and Environment Committee chairman Jamaliah Jamaluddin. — Bernama
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