A new chapter in Malaysia’s ongoing public health story unfolds this year as the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2024 release takes centre stage, shining a spotlight on the nation’s nutrition.
With its roots dating back to 2011, NHMS has become an annual fixture, each edition tailored to address current health concerns as determined by the Ministry of Health Malaysia.
The 2024 survey is particularly ambitious, targeting everything from food insecurity to nutritional status, with a special emphasis on food intake, meal patterns, physical activity, and micronutrient levels.
The overarching aim is clear: to provide robust, evidence-based data that helps shape policy across not only the Ministry of Health but also other critical sectors such as education, trade, communications and agriculture.
What emerges from the preliminary findings is a complex picture of nutrition-related challenges facing Malaysians today.
Based on the report, among children and adolescents aged five to nineteen years, stunting affects 8.1 percent—a sobering statistic that points to ongoing issues with chronic undernutrition during critical developmental years.
Overweight prevalence stands at 14.4 percent while obesity rates have climbed to 13.6 percent. These figures suggest that both ends of the nutritional spectrum—undernutrition and overnutrition—are present in young populations.
For adults aged eighteen and above, the numbers are even more striking. Overweight rates hit 30.5 percent with obesity affecting 23.1 percent of respondents.
Perhaps most concerning is abdominal obesity, which has reached 52.1 percent—a figure that signals heightened risk for metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular complications. Such findings align with global trends observed by the World Health Organization and have prompted calls by researchers for more targeted interventions.
Considering the robustness of the report, the scale of the NHMS 2024 is impressive. Covering all states and federal territories, it employs a two-stage stratified random sampling framework sourced from the Department of Statistics Malaysia.
This meticulous approach ensures that a diverse cross-section of Malaysians aged five years and above are included in the findings. In total, around 5280 households nationwide were chosen for participation, representing approximately 8000 respondents who form the backbone of this study.
At the heart of NHMS 2024 lies a comprehensive data collection process. Face-to-face interviews form the core method—these conversations dig deep into issues like food insecurity, how often Malaysians eat, which foods they favour, their understanding of food labelling and their physical activity patterns. But it doesn’t stop there.
The survey also incorporates a food frequency questionnaire and a one-day 24-hour dietary recall to analyse habitual food intake and nutrient consumption. Anthropometric assessments add another layer, with weight, height and waist circumference carefully measured. Blood pressure screening rounds out the physical health checks.
For scientists seeking biochemical insights, NHMS 2024 delivers. Blood and urine samples are collected from participants to assess folate, vitamin D, sodium, potassium and iodine status. Household salt samples are also gathered to determine the extent of iodised salt usage—a critical factor in preventing iodine deficiency disorders.
Each step is executed by professional data collection teams comprising research assistants, nurses and logistical support, travelling in clearly marked vehicles and sporting official attire for easy identification.
Participation in NHMS is strictly voluntary. Respondents have the right to withdraw at any point without needing to offer an explanation. As far as risks go, experts assure that involvement poses no threat; confidentiality is paramount, with personal data handled according to stringent legal standards. When it comes time to publish or present results, identities remain protected unless explicit consent is given.
The data generated by NHMS 2024 carries significant weight. For policymakers, these findings are vital for tracking Malaysia’s progress in meeting global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the World Health Organisation and targets outlined in the National Plan of Action for Nutrition (NPANM III) for 2016-2025.
This evidence will guide interventions aimed at bolstering nutrition programmes and curbing non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which are a growing concern in many communities.
