Day: May 15, 2026

Hypertension Quietly Damaging Hearts Of Young Adults

KUALA LUMPUR, 15 May -- High blood pressure is no longer a condition associated mainly with older adults, with medical experts warning that more young Malaysians are now developing hypertension and early signs of heart damage due to unhealthy lifestyle habits. In Malaysia, nearly one in three adults has hypertension, with many remaining unaware of their condition that often begins with vague symptoms, resulting in hidden damage building up over time. According to Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City (SMC) consultant cardiologist and electrophysiologist Dr Gary Lee Chin Keong when blood pressure remains high over an extended time, the heart is forced to work harder to circulate blood through the body. He explains that the heart will adapt by becoming thicker and stronger, however, it is not beneficial in the long run as the constant strain causes the heart muscle to stiffen, reducing its ability to fill and pump efficiently. “One of the earliest signs of damage is left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), a condition involving the thickening of the heart’s main pumping chamber, which can reduce the heart’s ability to fill and pump blood efficiently. "Unlike skeletal muscle, this thickening is not beneficial in the long run. The constant strain causes the heart muscle to stiffen,” he said in a statement. Dr Gary said LVH can develop silently for years and is often only detected through tests such as echocardiograms, which allow doctors to identify structural changes in the heart. He said symptoms including chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, dizziness and fainting are frequently dismissed as stress, fatigue or indigestion, causing many patients to seek treatment only after complications become more serious. According to him, uncontrolled hypertension significantly increases the risk of heart failure, stroke, heart attack, kidney disease and abnormal heart rhythms such as atrial fibrillation. Dr Gary also highlighted a growing trend of younger Malaysians being diagnosed with hypertension and heart disease, driven largely by modern lifestyles. “About 20 years ago, hypertension was mostly thought to be a problem for older people. Today, I have patients who are only in their 20s or 30s. "This trend is caused by long working hours, chronic stress, inadequate sleep, lack of exercise, smoking, excessive salt intake and high consumption of processed foods. Obesity and diabetes further increase the risk, creating a 'dangerous cluster' of cardiovascular risk factors,” he said. Dr Gary encourages Malaysians to begin monitoring their health indicators, including blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and body weight, from as early as their 20s. He also said early detection and treatment can help slow or partially reverse damage to the heart through medication, healthier diets, exercise, weight control, smoking cessation and regular medical follow-ups. “Don’t wait for symptoms to tell you something is wrong. The earlier you detect high blood pressure, the better your chances of protecting your heart,” he added. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, 15 May — High blood pressure is no longer a condition associated mainly with older adults, with medical experts warning that more young Malaysians are now developing hypertension and early signs of heart damage due to unhealthy lifestyle habits. In Malaysia, nearly one in three adults has hypertension, with many remaining unaware of […]

Baby Swap Incident At HTA Resolved

KUALA LUMPUR, May 14 -- An incident involving the accidental swapping of babies at a ward in Tunku Azizah Hospital (HTA) has been resolved, with the babies safely returned to their respective mothers. HTA director Dr Shamsul Anuar Kamarudin said immediate corrective action was taken once the incident was discovered. He said the hospital had provided the necessary explanation and support to the families involved, adding that preliminary checks found no breastfeeding or medical procedures that compromised the babies’ safety during the incident. “HTA understands the public concern after the incident was shared on social media. “The hospital has taken immediate action in accordance with established procedures while ensuring the safety and welfare of the babies remained the top priority,” he said in a statement today. Dr Shamsul Anuar said an internal investigation was underway to determine the cause of the incident and improve existing procedures to prevent a recurrence He said the hospital would also strengthen its internal control measures to enhance public confidence in its services. “HTA remains committed to ensuring patient safety is always prioritised and appreciates the cooperation and understanding of all parties,” he said. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, May 15 — An incident involving the accidental swapping of babies at a ward in Tunku Azizah Hospital (HTA) has been resolved yesterday, with the babies safely returned to their respective mothers. HTA director Dr Shamsul Anuar Kamarudin said immediate corrective action was taken once the incident was discovered. He said the hospital […]

Datuk Seri Ramanan Receives Courtesy Visit from US-ASEAN Business Council Delegation

KUALA LUMPUR, May 15 — Deputy Minister of Human Resources, Ramanan Ramakrishnan yesterday received a courtesy visit from the delegation of the US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC), led by former United States Ambassador Brian D. McFeeters, to discuss strategic cooperation in strengthening trade, investment, and local talent development between Malaysia and the United States. During the meeting, Ramanan highlighted Malaysia’s continued position as a key destination for foreign investment, particularly in the electrical and electronics (E&E) sector, in line with the country’s standing as one of the region’s major high-technology industry hubs. He said the presence of multinational companies from the United States in Malaysia has contributed significantly to the nation’s economic growth while creating more high-quality and high-income employment opportunities for Malaysians. Ramanan also stressed the importance of empowering local talent and enhancing skills training initiatives to ensure the workforce remains aligned with current industry demands and technological developments. In addition, he commended the growing commitment of international companies in providing employment opportunities for veterans and Persons with Disabilities (OKU), describing the move as an important step towards creating a more inclusive and dignified job market in Malaysia. He added that the MADANI Government remains committed to ensuring a conducive and investor-friendly investment ecosystem while continuing to prioritise workforce empowerment, talent development, and the welfare of Malaysians. -- MINUTESMY -- SOURCE: FB RAMANAN RAMAKRISHNAN

KUALA LUMPUR, May 15 — Deputy Minister of Human Resources, Ramanan Ramakrishnan yesterday received a courtesy visit from the delegation of the US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC), led by former United States Ambassador Brian D. McFeeters, to discuss strategic cooperation in strengthening trade, investment, and local talent development between Malaysia and the United States. During the […]

MARA Remains Core Institution in Empowering Bumiputera Development – PM Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR, May 15 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim yesterday reaffirmed the important role of MARA as the core institution in advancing the Bumiputera empowerment agenda through a more fair, inclusive and comprehensive national development framework. Speaking after a special meeting with MARA’s top management, Anwar said the institution continues to play a vital role in safeguarding the future of the Bumiputera community while contributing towards building a more sustainable and resilient nation. He stressed that efforts to strengthen Bumiputera empowerment must continue through expanded access to quality education, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), skills training, education financing, entrepreneurial development and support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). According to the Prime Minister, policies and initiatives championed by MARA have helped produce more skilled and semi-skilled workers, as well as competitive local professionals and entrepreneurs capable of contributing meaningfully to the national workforce. “These efforts will simultaneously increase Bumiputera participation, ownership and mastery in the national economy in line with present demands and future challenges,” he said. Anwar also highlighted MARA’s various transformation initiatives and entrepreneur scaling programmes, which have benefited millions of Bumiputera students and entrepreneurs by strengthening social mobility and economic participation. He emphasized that the Bumiputera empowerment agenda must continue to be driven with strong governance, integrity and effective implementation to ensure lasting impact for future generations. The Prime Minister said the special meeting with MARA leadership was aimed at ensuring the institution remains focused on delivering its mandate efficiently while adapting to evolving economic realities and national priorities. -- MINUTESMY -- SOURCE: FB ANWAR IBRAHIM

KUALA LUMPUR, May 15 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim yesterday reaffirmed the important role of MARA as the core institution in advancing the Bumiputera empowerment agenda through a more fair, inclusive and comprehensive national development framework. Speaking after a special meeting with MARA’s top management, Anwar said the institution continues to play a vital role […]

PM Anwar Calls for Wider Outreach of RM5 Billion Micro Financing Initiative

PUTRAJAYA, May 15 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim today chaired a high-level meeting with chief executive officers of several key government-linked financial institutions to strengthen efforts in expanding financing access for small traders and micro entrepreneurs nationwide. The meeting involved top leaders from MARA, TEKUN Nasional, Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM), Bank Rakyat, SME Bank, Agrobank and Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN). The MADANI Government has allocated more than RM5 billion in micro financing facilities this year, expected to benefit over 400,000 micro entrepreneurs across the country. The financing schemes offer loans of up to RM100,000, with selected programmes carrying interest rates as low as three percent annually. Prime Minister Anwar stressed that the initiative would not achieve its intended impact if small traders, hawkers and petty entrepreneurs — especially those operating in markets, night markets and public hotspots — remain unaware of the assistance available to them. “During my visits to various states, I heard firsthand complaints from small business owners who were unaware of the financing and support facilities provided by the government. Many are still struggling on their own because they do not know the proper channels to seek help,” he said. He instructed all agencies and micro-finance institutions to intensify grassroots engagement efforts and proactively reach out to traders, hawkers, gig workers and micro entrepreneurs facing capital constraints. According to the Prime Minister, the dissemination of information must be carried out more aggressively and comprehensively to ensure no eligible group is left behind from receiving government assistance. At the same time, Anwar also called for the financing application process to be simplified, with less burdensome conditions and fairer, more reasonable approval procedures to ensure the facilities truly reach those in need. He expressed hope that the initiative would empower more small-scale traders, night market operators, women entrepreneurs, youths, gig workers, TVET graduates, small contractors, paddy farmers, asnaf groups and micro entrepreneurs to improve their livelihoods and build a better future. “Insha-Allah, this effort will help more Malaysians rise, grow and succeed,” he added. -- MINUTESMY -- SOURCE: FB ANWAR IBRAHIM

PUTRAJAYA, May 15 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim yesterday chaired a high-level meeting with chief executive officers of several key government-linked financial institutions to strengthen efforts in expanding financing access for small traders and micro entrepreneurs nationwide. The meeting involved top leaders from MARA, TEKUN Nasional, Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM), Bank Rakyat, SME Bank, Agrobank […]