The kidney health screening included vital sign checks, point-of-care tests for blood glucose and cholesterol, and laboratory analyses of renal and liver function, lipid profiles, and urine tests. Photo courtesy of Maaedicare.
KUALA LUMPUR, June 3 — In a groundbreaking effort to confront Malaysia’s silent but escalating kidney health crisis among underserved communities, the Maaedicare Charitable Foundation, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Bukit Angkasa (RCBA), officially launched a comprehensive community renal health screening at Dewan Komuniti JKP Zon 18, Pandan Indah, Ampang, recently.
This landmark initiative marks a decisive step toward early detection and prevention by bringing vital kidney screening directly to those who need it most.
The inaugural screening is the first in a series of proactive efforts dedicated to identifying chronic kidney disease early and managing its risk factors comprehensively.
With a strong focus on preventive care, these community screenings aim to equip vulnerable populations with the knowledge and resources necessary to improve long-term kidney health outcomes and lessen the devastating impact of chronic kidney conditions.
The initiative targets 3,000 individuals from the B40 income bracket over the next two years, extending screenings across urban and suburban communities nationwide.
Last week’s inaugural screening attracted 102 participants, with 75.5 per cent from the B40 group and an average age of 54 years. Alarmingly, 22 per cent showed decreased renal function, underscoring the hidden burden of kidney disease in these communities. Females made up 55 per cent of attendees, highlighting the inclusive reach of the programme.
Maaedicare Charitable Foundation Chief Executive Officer Anne Rajasaikaran emphasised the critical role of early detection, explaining that chronic kidney disease often develops silently, with symptoms only appearing when treatment becomes complex and costly.
“Preventive screenings empower individuals—especially those in the B40 group—to take control of their health, enabling timely intervention that can save lives and significantly reduce healthcare expenses,” she said.
To illustrate the urgency, Anne shared that 70 per cent of Maaedicare’s dialysis patients come from households earning less than RM3,000 a month, often supporting an average of five family members.
In fact, 40 per cent of these patients earn below RM900 monthly or are unemployed, highlighting the immense financial strain dialysis treatment places on already vulnerable families.
“This stark reality underscores the Foundation’s commitment to making kidney health screening accessible to all, and we aim to prevent such costly and life-altering conditions before they reach advanced stages,’’ she added.
Rotary Club of Bukit Angkasa charter president Yap Fatt Lam highlighted that the partnership with Maaedicare goes far beyond a single event.
“This collaboration embodies a profound, ongoing commitment to building healthier communities through continuous support, education, and accessible health care services.
“Addressing chronic diseases requires sustained efforts over time, which is why the Rotary Club of Bukit Angkasa has pledged significant funding to ensure this partnership can continue and expand over the next two years,” he said.
He added that the financial support will enable the delivery of regular community screenings, health awareness campaigns, and follow-up care programs, reaching approximately 3,000 individuals from the B40 community.
“By raising awareness, providing essential health education, and facilitating timely medical referrals, Maaedicare and the Rotary Club of Bukit Angkasa are committed to overcoming the financial and access barriers that often hinder early diagnosis and treatment.
“Our goal is to equip underserved populations with the knowledge and resources to take proactive control of their health, reducing the long-term burden of chronic kidney disease and ultimately enhancing their quality of life,’’ he said, adding that the community screening initiative exemplifies a powerful, collaborative approach to health equity—bringing vital preventive care directly to those who need it most, fostering hope, and saving lives.
Maaedicare head of cardiac and diagnostics Dr Lilyany Farhana Aziz, highlighted the silent and insidious nature of kidney disease, noting that the 22 per cent rate of decreased renal function detected during the recent screening is deeply concerning.
“Chronic kidney disease often progresses unnoticed until it reaches advanced stages, making early identification critical. With over 15.5 per cent of Malaysians—more than five million people—living with chronic kidney disease, yet only a small fraction aware of their condition, early detection through community screenings is essential to slow disease progression,’’ she said.
She added that timely, tailored management not only improves patient outcomes but also reduces the heavy burden on families and the healthcare system.
“Each year, more than 10,000 Malaysians are newly diagnosed with end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis or transplantation, a figure expected to double by 2040 if preventive measures are not scaled up.
“Our kidney health screening aims to detect kidney disease early, especially among vulnerable populations, to intervene before costly and complex treatments become necessary,’’ she said.
She noted that this urgent call underscores the critical role of preventive health initiatives in combating Malaysia’s growing kidney disease epidemic and protecting the wellbeing of at risk communities.
The kidney health screening included vital sign checks, point-of-care tests for blood glucose and cholesterol, and laboratory analyses of renal and liver function, lipid profiles, and urine tests.
Each participant received confidential consultations with Maaedicare’s medical officers, ensuring personalised health advice and continuity of care beyond the event.
Community Screening Participants
| Total Attendees | 102 individuals (aged between 20 and 79 years old) |
| Gender | 55 per cent female, 45 per cent male |
| B40 Income Group | 75.5 per cent based on household income questionnaire |
| Decreased Renal Function | 22 per cent of 102 individuals |