KUALA LUMPUR, 12 October 2026 (The Capital Post) – The Ministry of Health has launched the National Liver Health Initiative Roadmap 2026–2030 to strengthen liver disease prevention, early detection and treatment, amid concerns over the high proportion of liver cancer cases diagnosed at advanced stages in Malaysia.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad officiated the launch in conjunction with Liver Cancer Awareness Day 2026 at the Auditorium of Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz (HCTM) in Kuala Lumpur.
The programme was jointly organised by the Ministry of Health (MOH), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s (UKM) Faculty of Medicine and the Academy of Medicine of Malaysia (AMM).
In his opening address, Dzulkefly highlighted liver cancer as one of the major cancers affecting Malaysians, with many patients receiving their diagnoses only after the disease has progressed significantly.
He revealed that 86 per cent of male patients and 83 per cent of female patients are diagnosed at stage three or four, limiting available treatment options and reducing their chances of survival.
The ministry also estimated that approximately 6.7 million Malaysian adults are living with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease, with some at risk of developing liver fibrosis requiring further medical assessment.
The newly launched roadmap aims to establish a more integrated approach to liver healthcare through five key pillars: health promotion and prevention, screening and fibrosis risk assessment, surveillance and diagnosis, treatment and supportive care, and disease registries, monitoring and evaluation.
-Advertisement-
Particular attention will be given to early detection among high-risk groups, especially individuals living with diabetes and obesity.
The awareness programme, themed “Healthy Liver, Healthy Weight, Reduce Liver Cancer Risk”, carried the message “Prevent. Detect Early. Save Lives.”
It also featured scientific sessions and professional discussions focused on strengthening liver cancer prevention, early diagnosis and treatment strategies.
During the event, Dzulkefly visited exhibition booths showcasing liver screening technologies and initiatives aimed at preventing metabolic-related diseases.
Also present were senior officials from the Ministry of Health, UKM representatives and medical professionals involved in liver health research and treatment.
According to a post on the official Facebook page of KEMENTERIAN KESIHATAN MALAYSIA, the National Liver Health Initiative Roadmap 2026–2030 represents an important step towards improving liver healthcare through coordinated prevention, early detection, treatment and monitoring efforts – The Capital Post
