General : Nearly Two Million Benefit From 38 Wellness Hubs Nationwide - Dzulkefly

Nearly two million Malaysians have reaped the benefits of 38 Wellness Hub facilities spread across the country, according to Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. These hubs, part of the Ministry of Health’s initiative to boost access to disease prevention and promote healthy lifestyles, serve as community wellness referral centres.

Dzulkefly highlighted that the initiative aims to shift Malaysia's healthcare model from treatment-focused to preventive care, particularly in tackling the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). These one-stop centers offer a range of services such as weight management, smoking cessation, mental health screenings, the 'Stay Active' module, and exercise therapy.

The preventive approach at these hubs has proven effective, with 87% of 460 participants in the weight management pilot losing weight, 83% improving their physical fitness, and 83% achieving a normal BMI. Dzulkefly stressed that strengthening preventive healthcare is crucial due to the rising NCDs, which have cost the economy up to RM64.2 billion annually, with RM51.8 billion from lost productivity and RM12.4 billion from treatment.

While public health literacy has improved, translating this knowledge into daily behavioral change remains a challenge. To overcome this, the Ministry has adopted a 'nudging' approach, creating supportive environments and facilities that encourage healthier choices, collaborating with various stakeholders. The Malaysian Community Health Agent (MyCHAMPION) programme, which has spent RM3.381 million between 2025 and October, aims to empower community participation in national health initiatives.