SIGNIFICANT GAP IN PWD REGISTRATION, MANY MISSING OUT EARLY INTERVENTION - DZULKEFLY

PUTRAJAYA, Nov 29 (Bernama) -- Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad today warned of a significant gap between the registration figures of persons with disabilities (PwDs) in Malaysia and the global prevalence estimates.

According to him, this situation shows that many more remain unidentified and have missed out on crucial early interventions.

He added that, based on data from the Social Welfare Department (JKM) as of June, only around 780,000 PwDs had been registered, equivalent to 2.3 per cent of the population, far lower than the 16 per cent projected by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

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"Why is there this difference?… This shows that many PwDs in our country have not been identified, or more accurately, have not received the necessary early intervention,” he said when officiating at the PwD Care Seminar 2025  here today.

The huge registration gap, he said, would have a direct impact on the effectiveness of the country's health system in detecting, treating and supporting the PwD group, especially those who require assistance from the early stage of development.

Dzulkefly said access to early intervention is extremely critical because, on average, the PwD group is more exposed to non-communicable disease (NCDs), with a far higher prevalence compared to the general public.

"For example, 33.3 per cent of PwDs have diabetes, while the national average is only 15 per cent. Similarly, 56.9 per cent of PwDs suffer from high blood pressure,” he said.

Dzulkefly stressed that Malaysia's healthcare system must be more responsive, flexible and based on fair access to ensure the health and well-being of those in need continue to be assured.

He added that the Ministry of Health (MOH) remains committed to strengthening the PwD healthcare ecosystem through the expansion of screening, service funding and more accurate data development.

"I cannot over-emphasise that they have the right as members of the society also to be a productive force of the nation. In fact, also contributing meaningfully to the country's progress,” he said.

-- BERNAMA