GENERAL

Fatal Consequences: The Misuse of Antibiotics and Its Threat to Malaysia’s Health

 |  Saturday, 26 July 2025 16:06  |  Published in GENERAL

Fatal Consequences: The Misuse of Antibiotics and its Threat to Malaysia's Health

From Everyday Ailments to Superbugs, Strepsils Sounds the Alarm on The High Cost of Misusing Antibiotics

Strepsils, the world’s leading throat relief brand, recently hosted the ‘Resist Resistance’ Panel, bringing together prominent voices from the Ministry of Health, including Dr. Ho Bee Kiau, Consultant Family Medicine Specialist, Klinik Kesihatan Bandar Botanic, Klang, and Dr. Rahela Ambaras Khan, Head of the Pharmacotherapy Branch, Pharmacy Department, Kuala Lumpur Hospital. The panel also includes leading medical experts Professor Dr. Baharudin Abdullah, Senior Consultant, Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Universiti Sains Malaysia; Dr. Mohazmi Mohamad, Family Medicine Specialist, Department of Primary Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya; and Dr. Koh Kar Chai, President of the Manipal Alumni Association Malaysia, to address the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

The panel sounded a critical warning on the rampant misuse of antibiotics in Malaysia, highlighting the urgent need for responsible healthcare practices. One common but dangerous example is the treatment of sore throats. Although most are caused by viruses and do not require antibiotics, many Malaysians still demand or expect them—fueling the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This misuse is not just harmful; it is helping to build a future where simple infections could once again become deadly. The panel discussion aimed to correct these harmful misconceptions and push for informed, life-saving choices. As part of responsible throat care, the panel highlighted the role of symptom-targeted treatments that help reduce throat pain, swelling, and difficulty swallowing—offering effective relief for viral sore throats without contributing to resistance. Products like Strepsils spray demonstrate how targeted therapies can support the reduction of unnecessary antibiotic use.

In Malaysia, the overuse of antibiotics is particularly concerning – a recent study found that only 2.8% of sore throat cases in public primary care clinics are caused by Group A Streptococcus (GAS), the only common bacterial cause warranting antibiotics, yet 22.3% of these patients still receive antibiotics, with over 90% of these prescriptions deemed unnecessary.

To counter this, the panel discussion spotlighted the Malaysian Multidisciplinary Sore Throat Consensus, a newly launched set of clinical guidelines aimed at helping healthcare professionals make accurate diagnoses and reduce inappropriate antibiotic use. The framework promotes evidence-based sore throat management with a strong focus on patient education and non-antibiotic treatment options.

“The Ministry of Health is scaling up national interventions to address antibiotic misuse. Our focus is on policy enforcement, enhancing clinical guidelines, and running large-scale education campaigns to shift both public and professional behaviour. Combating antimicrobial resistance requires collective responsibility, and we’re committed to leading that charge,” said Dr. Ho Bee Kiau of the Ministry of Health Malaysia.

“As part of our antimicrobial stewardship efforts at Hospital Kuala Lumpur, we see firsthand how misuse—often driven by misinformation—can lead to treatment failure and drug-resistant infections. Empowering patients with the right knowledge is critical to preventing a future where even routine infections become untreatable,” said Dr. Rahela Ambaras Khan, Head of Pharmacotherapy Services, Hospital Kuala Lumpur.

Adding to the sentiment, Professor Dr. Baharudin Abdullah, one of the authors of the Sore Throat Consensus noted, “Clinical guidelines like the Malaysian Multidisciplinary Sore Throat Consensus are designed to support better diagnostic decisions. When used correctly, they help reduce reliance on antibiotics for viral infections, which don’t benefit from them. Our data shows a persistent gap between what’s medically appropriate and what’s being prescribed. Closing that gap is essential.”

“Patients often feel uncertain when told antibiotics aren’t needed. That’s why education is key—not just for doctors, but for the public. When people understand why antibiotics don’t work for viral sore throats, they’re more likely to accept alternative treatments and avoid contributing to resistance.” echoed Dr. Mohazmi Mohamad.

“Public awareness and professional guidelines are our best tools in this fight. We need to move away from a ‘pill for every ill’ mindset. Studies have shown that this approach can significantly reduce unnecessary antibiotic use, which is a critical step in combating AMR,” added Dr. Koh Kar Chai.

In line with promoting responsible sore throat management, the Malaysian Multidisciplinary Sore Throat Consensus also provides healthcare professionals with clear, evidence-based guidance on when antibiotics are necessary—and when they are not. The guidelines highlight the value of accurate diagnosis, patient education, and symptom-targeted care, reinforcing the importance of accessible solutions that help manage viral sore throats without relying on antibiotics.

“Antibiotic misuse is not just a medical issue, but a public health crisis that demands immediate action. The first step in combatting AMR is changing the way we think about common infections like sore throats and opting for symptom-targeted treatments, such as the Strepsils spray, rather than resorting to unnecessary antibiotic use,” said Mr. Harsh Takru, Reckitt’s Marketing Director for Health and Hygiene (Malaysia and Singapore).

As Malaysia confronts the rising challenge of AMR, Strepsils remains dedicated to creating a healthier future by equipping both patients and healthcare professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to make responsible healthcare decisions. The Resist Resistance Panel not only reinforced this commitment but also marked the official launch of the Sore Throat Consensus, a critical framework for reducing unnecessary antibiotic use and promoting evidence-based sore throat care.

Find out more, or get in touch with us at www.reckitt.com 

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Taiwan Collaborates with Malaysia to Promote Wellness through 'Go Healthy with Taiwan 2025

 |  Thursday, 24 July 2025 00:07  |  Published in GENERAL

 

 

Taiwan Collaborates with Malaysia to Promote Wellness through ‘Go Healthy with Taiwan 2025’

Taiwan’s strengths in fitness tech, cycling, and smart healthcare drive the ‘Go Healthy with Taiwan 2025’ initiative.

 Taiwan is driving regional wellness innovation with the ‘2025 Go Healthy with Taiwan’ campaign in Malaysia. Led by the Taiwan International Trade Administration (TITA) and executed by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), the initiative has attracted strong participants from Malaysian fitness groups, universities, and medical suppliers. Organizers urge Malaysian stakeholders to submit proposals before 14 August to showcase their ideas for a healthier future.

The ‘Go Healthy with Taiwan’ campaign at District 21, IOI City Mall on 20 July encouraged Malaysians to propose innovative solutions for a healthier future.

The campaign is structured as an open call for proposals across three strategic sectors: Fitness & Sports Technology, Cycling, and Smart Healthcare. Participants will vie for three US$30,000 cash prizes, awarded to the most impactful and innovative proposals. In addition, the top six teams will be invited to Taiwan for an exclusive “Go Healthy Tour”—a curated, immersive experience offering direct access to Taiwan’s dynamic health technology ecosystem. This tour will feature hands-on demonstrations, site visits, and networking opportunities with leading Taiwanese companies, enabling participants to explore collaboration, product integration, and market expansion opportunities firsthand. 

Sectoral Focus Areas:

  1. Fitness & Sports Technology: From AI-enabled training systems to connected workout equipment, Taiwan’s smart fitness innovations are designed to boost personal and population-wide wellness outcomes.
  2. Cycling: As a global manufacturing hub for high-performance bicycles and a leader in urban cycling infrastructure, Taiwan champions cycling as a sustainable, health-positive mode of transport.
  3. Smart Healthcare: Taiwan’s Medtech sector offers advanced diagnostic platforms, telemedicine capabilities, and wearable technologies that are reshaping healthcare delivery and preventive care models.

The ‘Go Healthy with Taiwan’ campaign featured Johnson Fitness equipment, urging innovative proposals to advance healthier lifestyles.

Evaluation Criteria:
Submissions will be assessed based on health and well-being benefits, integration of Taiwanese products or solutions, innovation, and feasibility.

Key Dates:

 

Participation is made simple via a streamlined online platform, designed for ease of submission. Detailed guidelines and case examples—such as Acer’s wearable health monitors already adopted by leading hospitals worldwide—are available on the official campaign website to support proposal development.

Join Taiwan in creating a healthier, more resilient future—through innovation, collaboration, and shared purpose.

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CapitaLand Wins Double Honours at Sustainability & CSR Malaysia Awards 2025 for Outstanding Community Care

 |  Wednesday, 23 July 2025 23:22  |  Published in GENERAL

 

CapitaLand Wins Double Honours at Sustainability & CSR Malaysia Awards 2025 for Outstanding Community Care

CapitaLand received “Company of the Year” and “Long-Standing Excellence” awards in the shopping mall category for its #GivingBersama4.0 initiative 


CapitaLand has been named Company of the Year for Outstanding Community Care under the Shopping Mall category and honoured with the Long-Standing Excellence Award at the Sustainability & CSR Malaysia Awards 2025.  These accolades recognise the company’s sustained efforts in uplifting communities through its impactful #GivingBersama 4.0 initiative.

This marks the third consecutive year CapitaLand has received the prestigious Company of the Year accolade, underscoring its long-term commitment to enriching lives across Malaysia.  In 2024, the company was also recognised for its support of underprivileged children.

The annual Sustainability & CSR Malaysia Awards celebrate exemplary organisations that have demonstrated unwavering commitment to sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) in Malaysia.

As part of CapitaLand’s global #GivingAsOne campaign, the #GivingBersama 4.0 initiative was launched to support beneficiaries from orphanage homes, schools, and low-income families across Penang, Klang Valley, Pahang, and Johor.  With support from CapitaLand Hope Foundation (CHF), the philanthropic arm of CapitaLand Group, the initiative contributed RM200,000 worth of daily necessities and educational essentials to over 2,600 beneficiaries.

From 23 October to 20 December 2024, more than 180 CapitaLand staff volunteers dedicated over 1,400 volunteer hours who give their time and effort to serve the community.  They reached nearly 800 underserved children from 21 homes, and over 1,800 individuals from 600 low-income families. Beneficiaries were identified in partnership with Unit Mutiara Food Bank in Penang and Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat Malaysia offices in Kuala Lumpur, Kuantan, and Johor.

A highlight of this year’s initiative was the introduction of a shopping mall bazaar experience – a first by CapitaLand.  Organised in community halls across Malaysia, these vibrant market-style events allowed beneficiaries to select their own essential supplies, providing a more engaging and personalised experience. 

Selina Ng, Managing Director, Retail, CapitaLand Investment (Malaysia) said: “We are truly honoured to receive this esteemed accolade for the third year in a row, especially as CapitaLand celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.  The awards affirm our ongoing efforts to create a positive and lasting impact in the communities where we operate.”

“At CapitaLand, we believe that building resilient communities goes beyond financial contributions.  Through our #GivingBersama initiative, we are heartened by the strong and sustained support from our employees, tenants, business partners, and the wider community. Together, we are making a tangible difference in the lives of underserved groups across Malaysia.  Since 2011, with the support of CHF, we have reached over 16,100 beneficiaries and contributed more than RM2.6 million in community initiatives,” added Ms Ng.

Held annually in September and October, CapitaLand’s #GivingAsOne campaign rallies staff, tenants, business partners, and customers across markets to uplift vulnerable communities. In 2024, over 8,900 volunteers across 17 countries contributed more than 46,000 volunteer hours, benefiting over 13,000 individuals globally.

CapitaLand’s presence in Malaysia spans multiple asset classes including residential, retail, lodging, logistics, and business parks. Its retail network includes seven malls: Melawati Mall in Taman Melawati and six malls under CapitaLand Malaysia Trust—3 Damansara in Petaling Jaya, East Coast Mall in Kuantan, Gurney Plaza and Queensbay Mall in Penang, The Mines in Seri Kembangan, and Sungei Wang Plaza in Kuala Lumpur. CapitaLand also operates Nusajaya Tech Park, a 210-hectare industrial park in Iskandar Puteri, Johor.

To learn more about #GivingBersama 4.0, watch the video here.

Follow@CapitaLand on social media

Facebook: @capitaland / facebook.com/capitaland

Instagram: @capitaland / instagram.com/capitaland

Twitter: @capitaLand / twitter.com/CapitaLand

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/capitaland-limited

YouTube: youtube.com/capitaland

Important Notice 

This announcement and the information contained herein does not constitute and is not intended to constitute an offering of any investment product to, or solicitation of, investors in any jurisdiction where such offering or solicitation would not be permitted.

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