Sarawak sees 700-800 new kidney failure cases annually, 4,800 now on dialysis, says SGH nephrologist
Dr Tan fields questions from reporters at the event. – Photo by Jude Toyat
KUCHING (May 11): Sarawak records between 700 and 800 new cases of kidney failure annually, with approximately 4,800 patients currently undergoing dialysis.
This alarming figure was revealed by Sarawak General Hospital (HUS) consultant nephrologist Dr Clare Tan Hui Hong during the launch of World Kidney Day 2025 at a shopping mall here today.
'Every year, we have about 700 to 800 new patients diagnosed with kidney failure who need to start dialysis. In total, we currently have around 4,800 patients on dialysis in Sarawak,' she told reporters after officiating the launch.
Dr Tan said the increasing number of kidney failure cases is concerning, emphasising the urgent need for preventive measures and greater public awareness.
'Dialysis centres are expanding. There are about 25 government-run dialysis facilities across Sarawak, with a new one set to open in Selangau Health Clinic by the end of the year. We also have around 12 charity-run centres, and more are in the pipeline,' she said.
Despite the growing number of dialysis centres, Dr Tan stressed that prevention remains far more critical than treatment.
'More than just focusing on dialysis, we must address the root issue — prevention. Raising awareness about kidney health is essential to slowing down the number of people progressing to kidney failure.'
She also cited national health survey data showing a worrying trend: the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Malaysia increased from 9.07 per cent in 2011 to 15.5 per cent in 2018 — rising from roughly one in 11 persons to one in six or seven.
Although no new nationwide surveys have been conducted since 2018, Dr Tan expressed hope that initiatives like World Kidney Day campaigns could reverse the upward trend.
This year's World Kidney Day carries the theme 'Detect Early, Protect Kidney Health', emphasising the importance of early detection and lifestyle interventions in reducing CKD cases.
'Let us work together to fight the epidemic of chronic kidney disease and to stop this epidemic,' Dr Tan urged.
Also present at the event were Kelab Rotary Kuching president Charlie Ong, COR Holder of NKF Kota Samarahan Dr Nurizaidah Ishak, and NKF Kota Samarahan regional unit coordinator Nur Ezzatul Sahadah Jelani. dialysis Dr Clare Tan kidney failure lead
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Borneo Post
11-05-2025
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Dr Tan delivers her talk at the launch of the World Kidney Day 2025 held at The Hills here today. – Photo by Jude Toyat KUCHING (May 11): Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a silent but escalating health crisis in Malaysia, with over 15.5 per cent of the population estimated to be affected — yet less than one third of these patients are aware they have the disease. Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) consultant nephrologist Dr Clare Tan disclosed this during her health talk titled 'Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): The Silent Threat' in conjunction with the World Kidney Day 2025 held at a shopping mall here today. 'Only about five per cent of people with chronic kidney disease are actually aware of their condition. That means the vast majority are completely unaware that their kidneys are slowly failing,' she said. Dr Tan warned that CKD often presents no symptoms in its early stages, with many individuals only discovering they have the disease when it has reached an advanced stage or progressed to kidney failure, requiring dialysis. She disclosed that more than 50,000 Malaysians are currently undergoing dialysis therapy due to end-stage kidney failure, and that number continues to rise annually. In 2022 alone, over 10,000 new patients began dialysis. In Sarawak, 4,800 individuals are currently on dialysis, with numbers steadily climbing. However, she stressed that these figures only represent the 'tip of the iceberg.' 'There are many more Malaysians living with earlier stages of chronic kidney disease. If not properly managed, these patients will eventually progress to kidney failure and require dialysis. Early detection is the key to preventing that,' she said. According to national surveys conducted in 2011 and 2018, the prevalence of CKD in Malaysia rose sharply from nine per cent to 15.5 per cent — a staggering increase in just seven years. This means that about one in six to seven Malaysians may have CKD. Dr Tan attributed the rise to lifestyle-related risk factors, particularly diabetes and high blood pressure. 'In Malaysia, 53 per cent of patients on dialysis developed kidney failure due to diabetes, while another 30 per cent was due to hypertension. Combined, these two causes account for more than 80 per cent of all dialysis cases,' she explained. The rising incidence of obesity is another emerging risk factor. In 2023, over 54 per cent of Malaysians had a body mass index (BMI) above 25, indicating overweight or obesity. This is significant, as studies show that obesity increases the risk of CKD, especially when combined with diabetes or hypertension. Dr Tan also highlighted a worrying trend — CKD and diabetes are affecting increasingly younger Malaysians. 'Young people often don't realise they can have diabetes or high blood pressure. Without regular check-ups, many go undiagnosed until complications like kidney failure arise,' she said. The financial burden of CKD is also substantial. Patients on dialysis often suffer from multiple health complications, including heart problems and infections, which increase hospitalisation and healthcare costs. The government spends substantial resources to provide dialysis treatment and manage associated health issues. Because early CKD is often symptomless, Dr Tan urged Malaysians — especially those with risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, family history of kidney disease, or a history of taking chronic painkillers — to undergo regular screenings. 'Screening is simple. It just involves a blood test to check kidney function and a urine test for protein leakage,' she said. 'For high-risk individuals, especially those with diabetes or high blood pressure, annual screening is strongly recommended.' Early detection enables timely intervention that can slow disease progression. 'If we can detect kidney disease early, control the underlying conditions like diabetes and hypertension, and use medications that reduce protein loss in the urine, we can delay or even prevent the need for dialysis,' Dr Tan said. She concluded with a powerful reminder: 'Chronic kidney disease is common, dangerous, and often silent. But it is not hopeless. With awareness, screening, and early intervention, we can save kidneys — and lives.' World Kidney Day 2025 is celebrated annually to raise awareness of kidney health and promote preventive health measures. chronic kidney disease diabetes Dr Clare Tan hypertension lead
Malay Mail
11-05-2025
- Malay Mail
Sarawak sees 700 to 800 new kidney failure cases annually, 4,800 now on dialysis, says SGH nephrologist
KUCHING, May 11 — Sarawak records between 700 and 800 new cases of kidney failure annually, with approximately 4,800 patients currently undergoing dialysis. This alarming figure was revealed by Sarawak General Hospital (HUS) consultant nephrologist Dr Clare Tan Hui Hong during the launch of World Kidney Day 2025 at a shopping mall here today. 'Every year, we have about 700 to 800 new patients diagnosed with kidney failure who need to start dialysis. In total, we currently have around 4,800 patients on dialysis in Sarawak,' she told reporters after officiating the launch. Dr Tan said the increasing number of kidney failure cases is concerning, emphasising the urgent need for preventive measures and greater public awareness. 'Dialysis centres are expanding. There are about 25 government-run dialysis facilities across Sarawak, with a new one set to open in Selangau Health Clinic by the end of the year. We also have around 12 charity-run centres, and more are in the pipeline,' she said. Despite the growing number of dialysis centres, Dr Tan stressed that prevention remains far more critical than treatment. 'More than just focusing on dialysis, we must address the root issue — prevention. Raising awareness about kidney health is essential to slowing down the number of people progressing to kidney failure.' She also cited national health survey data showing a worrying trend: the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Malaysia increased from 9.07 per cent in 2011 to 15.5 per cent in 2018 — rising from roughly one in 11 persons to one in six or seven. Although no new nationwide surveys have been conducted since 2018, Dr Tan expressed hope that initiatives like World Kidney Day campaigns could reverse the upward trend. This year's World Kidney Day carries the theme 'Detect Early, Protect Kidney Health', emphasising the importance of early detection and lifestyle interventions in reducing CKD cases. 'Let us work together to fight the epidemic of chronic kidney disease and to stop this epidemic,' Dr Tan urged. Also present at the event were Kelab Rotary Kuching president Charlie Ong, COR Holder of NKF Kota Samarahan Dr Nurizaidah Ishak, and NKF Kota Samarahan regional unit coordinator Nur Ezzatul Sahadah Jelani. — The Borneo Post
