The Association of Certified Trainers in Fitness (ACTIF) has urged the Government to place greater emphasis on prevention in the national healthcare agenda, stressing that tackling non-communicable diseases (NCDs) through healthier lifestyles is key to building a sustainable system for the future.
Kuala Lumpur, September 22, 2025 — According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS 2023), nearly 29 per cent of Malaysian adults are living with hypertension, one in three has high cholesterol, and around 16 per cent suffer from diabetes. Alarmingly, more than 2.3 million Malaysians are now living with three or more of these conditions simultaneously.
 FEATURED EXPERTMOHD HUSAINI MOHD YUSOFF President Association of Certified Trainers in Fitness (ACTIF) |
ACTIF President Mohd Husaini Mohd Yusoff said the figures highlight an urgent need to focus on preventive measures alongside the Government’s bold healthcare reforms.
“Malaysia is facing a serious NCD crisis that carries enormous social and economic implications. The skyrocketing cost of healthcare, with medical inflation estimated at 15 per cent in 2023, makes prevention not just a health imperative but also an economic necessity,” Husaini said.
He welcomed the Ministry of Health’s recent reforms, including the introduction of the Diagnosis-Related Group (DRG) payment model, enhanced medical and health insurance schemes, and steps to strengthen financing and digitalization.
“These are critical and timely reforms that will make Malaysia’s healthcare system more resilient and future-ready. But unless prevention becomes a cornerstone of our strategy, we will continue to struggle with unsustainable costs and declining population health,” Husaini added.
A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY
Husaini stressed that prevention cannot be achieved by government action alone and must be a shared responsibility.
“It requires collective effort,” he said.
- Policymakers must embed health promotion in schools, workplaces, and communities.
- Grants and incentives should support programmes that encourage physical activity and healthier eating.
- Urban planning must provide Malaysians with safe spaces to exercise and connect.
- Public campaigns must go beyond raising awareness to focus on motivation and empowerment — helping Malaysians believe that healthier choices are achievable and worthwhile.
He also emphasized the important role of the fitness industry and health educators.
“Trainers, fitness professionals, and health educators are ready to play their part. But their contribution must be recognized and supported through policy, funding, and collaboration. Only then can we create a strong culture of prevention that benefits all Malaysians,” Husaini explained.
AFFIRMATION OF COMMITMENT
ACTIF reaffirmed its commitment to working with all stakeholders to support Malaysia’s national health goals and to encourage a culture of prevention.
“By investing in prevention today, we will reduce the long-term burden of NCDs, contain healthcare costs, and build a healthier and more productive Malaysia for generations to come,” Husaini concluded.
| This is a press statement issued by the Association of Certified Trainers in Fitness (ACTIF). It has been edited for clarity. |
