22-07-2025
Sabah has the most adults with cavities in Malaysia.
Published on: Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Published on: Tue, Jul 22, 2025
By: Mardinah Jikur Text Size: Alijah (centre) officiating the closing ceremony of the Sabah State Dental Health Promotion Week in Sandakan. Looking on are Walter (left), Frankie (2nd from right), Muhammad and others. SANDAKAN: State Community Development and People's Well-being MInister, Datuk James Ratib, said the National Oral Health Survey of Adults 2020 (NOHSA, 2020) revealed that nine out of 10 adults (94.1 per cent) in Sabah suffer from oral health problems, this being the highest percentage in Malaysia. He said several statistics indicate that the people of Sabah, particularly those in rural areas, consistently suffer from tooth decay. This is often attributed to a diet high in sugar and acid, as well as a lack of proper oral hygiene practices such as effective tooth brushing and regular dental check-ups. The National Oral Health Survey of Preschool Children 2015 (NOHPS, 2015) also stated that eight out of 10 or 82 per cent, of five-year-old children in Sabah had dental caries. In terms of the severity of the issue, nearly seven out of every 20 primary (baby) teeth in children in Sabah are decayed or damaged. Meanwhile, the National Oral Health Survey of Schoolchildren (NOHSS, 2017) revealed that six out of 10 (63.3pc) 12-year-old students in Sabah had dental caries. 'I acknowledge that the Sabah Dental Health Division has undertaken various efforts to raise awareness and promote proper oral health practices among the people of Sabah through a range of dental health programmes,' he said. These efforts include dental examinations and treatments at dental clinics and within communities through outreach programmes, mobile dental teams serving schools, and the provision of specialised dental services at affordable prices in government clinics. He added that the Sabah Dental Health Division is also striving to further expand access to dental services in rural areas and enhance oral health education among local communities. It is also developing effective strategies to comprehensively reduce the incidence of dental caries and gum disease in Sabah. James said this when delivering his speech at the closing ceremony of the 2025 Sabah State Dental Health Promotion Week held at The Piazza Harbour Mall grounds here on Saturday. His speech was delivered by the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Programme Sector and Community Development and People's Well-being Ministry (KPMKR), Alijah Ismail. Also present were Tanjong Papat Assemblyman Datuk Frankie Poon Ming Fung, Sandakan Municipal Council President Walter Kenson, Dr Muhammad Jikal representing the State Health Department Director Dr Maria Suleiman, Deputy State Health Director (Dental) Sabah, Dr Thaddius Herman Maling, Sandakan District Dental Officer Dr Asmahani Aziz and the Chairperson of the Sabah Dental Welfare, Sports and Recreation Club (BUTIZA), Dr Lynnora Patrick Majawit. The programme, organised by the State Dental Health Division, Sandakan District Dental Health Office, and the Sabah Dental Welfare, Sports and Recreation Club, featured various activities involving primary and secondary school students as well as the local community in Sandakan. This year's Dental Health Promotion Week was held nationwide from July 7 to 13 under the theme 'No Health Without Oral Health.' This is aimed at empowering the community to take responsibility and make informed choices for maintaining a healthy mouth. 'This Dental Health Promotion Week is not merely an annual event but a collective commitment for all of us to work together in raising awareness and knowledge about the importance of oral health among the people of Sabah,' he said. James urged all residents of Sabah to visit the nearest dental clinic, whether government or private, to undergo regular dental check-ups at least once a year. This is to ensure that dental problems are detected early and that appropriate treatment is received from qualified dental practitioners. An easy way to remember regular dental visits is by the phrase, 'Remember Your Birthday, Remember the Dentist.' 'That means whenever we celebrate our birthday, it's a reminder to see the dentist,' he said. He also encouraged the people to actively participate in the 60:20 Campaign. This campaign urges everyone to strive to maintain healthy teeth from early childhood through to old age. 'We want to age healthily, maintaining a functional set of teeth with at least 20 teeth remaining by the age of 60,' he said. 'Through the 60:20 campaign approach, we can enjoy a higher quality of life with optimal health,' he said. James also urged all parties to continue increasing the utilisation of qualified and quality dental health services, promote positive practices in maintaining oral health, and raise awareness about the importance of dental health among the people of Sabah. Earlier, Muhammad said the Dental Health Promotion Week (MPKP) is one of the main activities of the State Dental Health Division, held annually to improve patients' oral health by strengthening self-care and preventing dental diseases through early detection screening for timely intervention. He emphasised that dental check-ups should be conducted at least once a year. This action is crucial for early detection of various dental problems and subsequently obtaining appropriate dental treatment. 'Through this measure, we can ensure that oral health remains in good condition and free from disease,' she said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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