The National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM), in collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim, launched Saring@Komuniti 2.0, expanding its community-based health screening initiative beyond the Klang Valley to improve access to early detection of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among Malaysians.
The second phase aims to screen 5,000 individuals from the B40 and M40 income groups across six locations, with Kluang, Johor, serving as the first out of six stops in the nationwide expansion. The programme builds on findings from the inaugural Saring@Komuniti initiative, which screened 5,000 individuals from underserved communities across the Klang Valley in 2025 and uncovered a substantial burden of interconnected cardiovascular, renal and metabolic health risks.
The Phase 1 findings highlighted the urgent need to strengthen early detection and improve access to preventive health services. Among those screened, 97.8% had at least one cardio-renal-metabolic (CRM) risk factor. Additionally, 41.3% were found to be obese, 28.8% overweight, 34.5% had pre-diabetes and 35.1% had diabetes.
These findings underscore the importance of identifying health risks earlier, particularly as cardiovascular disease, kidney disease and metabolic conditions such as diabetes often coexist, share common risk factors and can worsen one another if left unmanaged.
Through Saring@Komuniti 2.0, NCSM and Boehringer Ingelheim aim to bring health screening closer to communities outside the Klang Valley, helping more individuals understand their health status and the importance of timely medical assessment and intervention.
The expansion reflects a shared commitment by NCSM and Boehringer Ingelheim to strengthen community-level health awareness and encourage a more integrated approach to the prevention and early detection of NCDs.
By extending the programme to six locations, Saring@Komuniti 2.0 seeks to reach communities who may face barriers to accessing routine health checks, while encouraging individuals to take a more proactive role in managing their health.
Kol Bersekutu (PA) Prof Dr Murallitharan Munisamy, Managing Director of NCSM, said, “The findings from our first Saring@Komuniti programme showed us that the burden of chronic disease risk is significant among the communities we reached. These findings reinforce why accessible screening, and early intervention must be part of our efforts to improve public health.
“With Saring@Komuniti 2.0, we are taking this initiative beyond the Klang Valley and closer to more communities across the country. Our goal is not simply to screen more people, but to encourage Malaysians to understand their health risks, seek appropriate medical advice and take the necessary steps towards better long-term health.”
Cheong Yee Kok, General Manager and Head of Human Pharma, Boehringer Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia said, “Saring@Komuniti 1.0 has shown us that when healthcare is made easier to access, more people are willing to take the first step toward better health. Together with the National Cancer Society Malaysia and local partners, we want to help more Malaysians understand their health risks earlier, seek appropriate medical advice, and make informed decisions for themselves and their families through this 2nd phase of Saring@Komuniti.”
Kluang MP Wong Shu Qi said, “A health screening programme may last only a day, but the awareness it creates should last far beyond it. Many people understand the importance of taking care of their health, but with work, family commitments and daily responsibilities, regular health checks are often put aside. I hope Saring@Komuniti 2.0 will encourage more people to make their health a priority, rather than waiting until they fall sick.
To me, Kluang Bahagia is not just about economic growth and infrastructure development. It is also about building a community where people can lead healthier and better lives. Making preventive healthcare more accessible and raising public awareness are important steps towards achieving this.
This commitment is also reflected in Budget 2027, with RM80 million allocated to PeKa B40 to support health screenings and other healthcare assistance for eligible Malaysians. I welcome the launch of Saring@Komuniti 2.0 in Kluang as the first stop of its nationwide expansion and thank the National Cancer Society of Malaysia and Boehringer Ingelheim for bringing this initiative to our community.”
As the programme begins its second phase in Kluang, NCSM and Boehringer Ingelheim will continue working towards the target of reaching 5,000 individuals across six locations, extending the programme’s reach and strengthening awareness of the importance of early detection.
Members of the public are encouraged to participate in community health initiatives and consult qualified healthcare professionals regarding their individual health risks and appropriate follow-up care.
