Practise healthy lifestyle, DCM says as kidney disease affects more Sabahans

KOTA KINABALU (March 26): Sabahans have been urged to take better care of their health, particularly by being mindful of what they eat, as kidney disease continues to affect more families in the state.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun said many serious illnesses could be prevented if people paid closer attention to their daily lifestyle and eating habits.

“Health should not only become a concern when one falls sick, but must be looked after early through better awareness, self-discipline and healthier food choices,” he said at the Yayasan Buah Pinggang Sabah Hari Raya celebration.

Masidi also announced a special government assistance of RM100,000 for the foundation to support its efforts in helping kidney patients.

He said the aid would be disbursed in two stages, with RM50,000 released first and the remaining RM50,000 to follow once the foundation demonstrates good progress in carrying out its work.

Masidi said kidney disease should not be taken lightly, as many patients still depend on haemodialysis treatment to survive.

He said Sabah currently has about 460 haemodialysis machines in public hospitals serving around 2,400 patients, meaning one machine is shared by about five patients.

According to him, the figure reflects not only the strain on healthcare services but also the burden faced by patients, especially those who have to travel long distances for treatment.

He also called on Yayasan Buah Pinggang Sabah to be more proactive and strategic in expanding haemodialysis services to areas still lacking such facilities, while stressing the importance of integrity, accountability and transparency to ensure every contribution truly benefits those in need.