Speech by Liew Chin Tong while officiating the Penang State World Diabetes Day Seminar in Penang on Sunday, 8 November 2009:

14 percent Malaysians living with diabetes – a cause of concern

The main objective of the World Diabetes Day is to raise global awareness of diabetes and its escalating rates around the world.

Started by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and World Health Organisation, the Day is celebrated on 14 November to mark the birthday of Frederick Banting who, along with Charles Best, was instrumental in the discovery of insulin in 1922, a life-saving treatment for diabetes patients.

In 1985, the best data available suggested that 30 million people in the world had diabetes. Fast-forward 15 years to 2000 and the numbers were revised to just over 150 million. Today, new data shows that a staggering 285 million people are now living with diabetes.

The latest figures from the International Diabetes Federation Diabetes Atlas 4th Edition indicate that people in low and middle-income countries are bearing the brunt of the epidemic.

We must all be concerned about diabetes as it is a serious disease that leads to many disabling complications that rob the community of precious human capital.

In Malaysia, the diabetes prevalence has increased tremendously, in the past 10 years, from 1996 2nd National Health Survey, 8.3% to 2006 3rd National Health Survey 14.9%, a very alarming figure.

The causes of the increment are multifaceted: mechanization of life/reduction in physical activities, increase in rich/oily/greasy food, easy availability of sweet/sugary dessert and drink.

Health policies have rarely been debated or discussed in Malaysia. Those who follow international news would probably realise that healthcare is likely the make or break domestic agenda for President Obama. Indeed, it is playing out daily recently.

It is time for all of us to be concerned about healthcare policies, and as a Federal Member of Parliament, it is one of the areas which I hope to advocate for major changes for the better.

The State Government is always support of program that helps to bring better quality of life to the rakyat. On behalf of State Exco for Welfare, Health, Caring Society and Environment YB Phee Boon Poh, I declare the World Diabetes Day seminar open.

* Liew Chin Tong, DAP International Secretary & MP for Bukit Bendera