PENANG often prides itself on being at the forefront of various development sectors, but Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow today voiced concern over the state’s lead in an area it would rather not top – chronic health conditions.
Speaking at the launch of the One Hope Charity Health Carnival 2025 at the PICCA Convention Centre in Butterworth today, Chow said that while Penang strives to be a model state under the “Penang Leads” vision, it should not be leading in the prevalence of diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol.
“I am aware that I always promote the idea of ‘Penang Leads’, but I certainly do not mean for Penang to lead in these health statistics,” Chow said in his speech, delivered to an audience comprising health professionals, volunteers, community leaders and participants.
According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023, the prevalence of diabetes in Penang stood at 18.4%, compared to the national average of 15.5%. Hypertension in Penang was recorded at 31.3% (national average: 29.2%), while the rate of high cholesterol was 34% (national: 33.3%).
Describing the figures as alarming, Chow said they should serve as a wake-up call for Penangites to take better care of their health by adopting healthier lifestyle choices.
Now in its 23rd year, the two-day health carnival features over 250 exhibition booths and offers more than 30 types of free medical screenings by qualified medical practitioners and specialists – ranging from basic eye and foot checks to liver and heart examinations.
Chow also commended One Hope Charity founder and chairman Datuk Chua Sui Hau and his team for their continued efforts to bridge healthcare gaps, particularly among the underprivileged.
“Health is a blessing often taken for granted. A healthy society forms the backbone of a resilient and prosperous state, in line with our Penang2030 vision of a ‘Family-Focused Green and Smart State that Inspires the Nation’,” he said.
He expressed hope that the efforts of NGOs such as One Hope Charity would continue to thrive with dedication and inclusivity, helping those in need regardless of race or religion.
Chua revealed that the entire organisation of the carnival had incurred a cost of RM2.7 million, which included RM850,000 in donations to various hospitals in Penang and Kedah. He later presented mock cheques to hospital representatives, witnessed by Chow and other dignitaries.
Chow also noted it was a point of pride for Penang and Malaysia that several local public and private hospitals had been listed in the World’s Best Hospitals 2025.
As part of the initiative, each of Penang’s five district health offices and five district dental offices received RM30,000. Seberang Jaya Hospital, Bukit Mertajam Hospital, Sungai Bakap Hospital, Kepala Batas Hospital, and Balik Pulau Hospital each received RM30,000, while Penang Hospital received RM100,000. Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital, Kulim Hospital, and Sultan Abdul Halim Hospital from Kedah also received RM100,000 each.
Chua expressed hopes that the contribution will be used to improve public healthcare services, purchase equipment, and enhance treatment environments for the benefit of the people.
“One Hope Charity not only offers a variety of free health screenings but also provides financial aid for patients in need of follow-up treatments,” Chua explained.
This year, One Hope is providing 4,000 free blood tests and 3,000 pairs of prescription glasses to senior citizens and underprivileged students. The carnival is expected to benefit about 8,000 individuals from all walks of life, especially those in the B40 group.
Also present at the event were former chief minister and Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng, Human Resources Minister Steven Sim, One Hope Charity adviser Datuk Seri R. Arunasalam, state executive councillors Daniel Gooi, H’ng Mooi Lye, Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu and Lim Siew Khim, several state assemblymen, Penang Health Department director Datuk Dr Fazilah Shaik Allaudin, and Kedah Health Department (Medical) deputy director Dr Jeremy Rodney Davis.
In his speech, Sim lauded One Hope Charity for its unwavering commitment not only to the public but also to hospitals in need.
He recalled being approached by a parent seeking RM1.2 million for an urgent operation to save her nine-year-old daughter. Sim contacted Chua, who managed to raise the amount within seven hours.
“The girl’s parent could only raise less than 10% of the cost. After receiving the call, I contacted Chua. He did not ask about the girl’s race or religion. That is the spirit we should all embrace,” said Sim, who is also the MP for Bukit Mertajam.
Sim said he was glad that One Hope Charity could save about RM500,000 annually by submitting e-receipts to donors instead of physical documents.
Guan Eng also praised One Hope Charity for their noble deeds, saying a local NGO has done a remarkable job, just as what the Taiwan-based Tzu Chi has done globally.
“I hope they will continue to receive tax exemption for the next five years,” he said.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Ahmad Adil Muhamad