Hidden heart condition behind up to one in four strokes, says specialist

 

A COMMON heart rhythm disorder that often causes no symptoms may be responsible for up to one in four strokes in Malaysia, with specialists warning that many cases remain undetected until it is too late.

Atrial fibrillation (AF), an irregular heartbeat that can increase stroke risk by up to five times, is estimated to account for between 15 and 25% of strokes in Malaysia, according to the Ministry of Health.

Dr Hartini Mohd Yusof, a consultant specialising in Cardiology, Electrophysiology and Internal Medicine at Oriental Melaka Straits Medical Centre, said AF remains one of the most preventable causes of stroke despite its significant impact.

“Atrial fibrillation increases the risk of stroke by up to five times, yet many patients do not experience symptoms and therefore remain unaware they have the condition,” she said.

According to Dr Hartini, up to 40% of AF patients may have what is known as “silent AF”, where the condition produces no noticeable symptoms.

“Without detection and treatment, these individuals remain at significant risk, with stroke sometimes being their first presentation,” she said.

Globally, AF is linked to between 20 and 30% of all ischaemic strokes, according to findings from the Framingham Study.

Health authorities, including the World Health Organisation and the European Society of Cardiology, recommend routine pulse checks as a simple first step in identifying potential cases.

A normal pulse should feel steady and regular, with a heart rate of between 60 and 100 beats per minute. Warning signs include an irregular rhythm, a fluttering sensation, or a heart rate that is unusually fast or slow.

Individuals who notice any of these symptoms should seek medical attention promptly. Diagnosis is typically confirmed through an electrocardiogram (ECG) or ambulatory heart monitoring.

Research has shown that routine pulse screening can help identify previously undiagnosed AF cases. The SAFE study found that pulse checks detected undiagnosed AF in approximately one to two per cent of older adults.

Once diagnosed, treatment can significantly reduce stroke risk. Oral anticoagulants, commonly known as blood thinners, remain the cornerstone of treatment and can lower stroke risk by up to 70%.

Newer direct oral anticoagulants offer additional benefits, including a lower risk of serious bleeding in the brain. For selected patients, procedures such as catheter ablation or left atrial appendage closure may also be considered.

While AF is more common among people aged 65 and above, Dr Hartini cautioned that younger individuals with hypertension, diabetes or existing heart conditions are also at risk.

She urged Malaysians to check their pulse regularly, manage chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes, maintain a healthy lifestyle and attend regular health screenings.

“A simple pulse check takes less than 30 seconds and could help detect a condition that significantly increases stroke risk,” she said. ‒  Focus Malaysia

CERMAT MADANI: A good start, but safe drivers deserve more

 

MALAYSIA is finally rewarding safe drivers, and that is something many motorists have long wanted to see.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke recently unveiled CERMAT MADANI, a programme that links JPJ driving records with insurance premiums through MyJPJ. Under the initiative, motorists with clean driving records can enjoy an additional 10% discount on top of their existing No-Claim Discount (NCD).

That deserves recognition.

For years, motorists who accumulated traffic summonses have been offered discounts and special compounds to settle their fines. The question is whether careful, law-abiding drivers have been rewarded enough for doing the right thing.

CERMAT MADANI introduces an important principle: responsible behaviour should be rewarded, not merely that irresponsible behaviour should be punished.

That is progress. However, good policies should still be evaluated critically.

Consider a driver whose annual insurance premium is RM1,200 before discounts. After receiving the maximum 55% NCD, the premium falls to RM540. Applying CERMAT MADANI’s additional 10% discount results in annual savings of RM54.

That works out to RM4.50 a month, roughly the cost of a teh tarik and roti kosong.

For motorists who have spent years driving responsibly, avoiding accidents and maintaining a clean claims record, the additional savings are unlikely to feel transformative.

To be clear, this is not a criticism of CERMAT MADANI itself. Quite the opposite. I support the initiative. What I question is not the direction of the policy, but the scale of its ambition.

Because the real significance of CERMAT MADANI is not the RM54 but the data ecosystem quietly taking shape behind it.

For the first time, Malaysia is creating a pathway that allows drivers’ records, the KEJARA demerit points system, digital government services and insurance pricing to communicate with one another.

MyJPJ is no longer merely a platform for renewing licences and road tax. It has the potential to become a bridge between driving behaviour and insurance risk assessment.

That is where things become genuinely interesting.

When the introductory phase ends and more sophisticated risk-based pricing emerges, we will discover whether CERMAT MADANI becomes the foundation of a modern road-safety ecosystem or merely another well-intentioned programme that fades from public attention.

International experience suggests we should aim much higher.

In several countries, insurers increasingly use telematics technology to assess driving behaviour in real time. Rather than relying solely on past claims history, these systems can monitor factors such as speed, braking patterns, driving hours and mileage.

The result is simple: drivers are rewarded not only for avoiding accidents, but for demonstrating safe driving habits every day.

Record-based systems reward what motorists did in the past. Behaviour-based systems influence what they are doing today.

That feedback loop is where habits change, attitudes shift and road safety improves.

Which brings us to the obvious next step: If Malaysia is serious about rewarding safe drivers, we should build a package worthy of the name.

Consider extending NCD tiers beyond the current 55% ceiling. Explore telematics-based incentives that offer meaningful savings for consistently safe driving.

Provide benefits that motorists can genuinely appreciate, such as enhanced towing coverage, flood protection, discounted windscreen replacement, expanded passenger coverage and emergency roadside assistance.

Most importantly, reward behaviour, not merely the absence of accidents.

CERMAT MADANI is a promising start. The data exists. The technology exists. The platform already exists.

What remains is the willingness to build a safe-driver rewards ecosystem that makes obeying the law more than a civic duty. It should become a benefit motorists actively want to protect.

Malaysia’s roads deserve an ambition considerably larger than a monthly teh tarik. 

Shahrim Tamrin is a sustainable transport and road safety activist. He was a former MIROS board member 2019-2022.

The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of  MMKtT.

-Focus Malaysia

Don’t be too proud to use a walking stick

 

MALAYSIA is ageing rapidly. With birth rates declining and more than 11% of the population aged 60 and above, preventing falls among older adults should be a public health priority.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recognises falls as a major cause of injury, disability and death among older people. Yet the true impact of falls is often hidden in official statistics.

The Department of Statistics Malaysia’s Statistics on Causes of Death Malaysia 2025 shows that the leading causes of medically certified deaths among those aged 60 and above are pneumonia, heart disease, diabetes mellitus and stroke. However, these figures do not always tell the full story.

For example, an older person may suffer a fall resulting in a hip fracture, become bedridden and later develop pneumonia. In such cases, the death is recorded as pneumonia rather than the fall that triggered the chain of events.

Falls, therefore, remain an under-recognised contributor to illness, disability and death among older Malaysians.

According to WHO, falls can lead to traumatic brain injuries, hip fractures and prolonged immobility. Extended periods of bed rest often result in secondary complications such as pneumonia, pressure ulcers and blood clots.

Studies show that 20‒30% of older adults who suffer a hip fracture die within a year, while around 60% never regain their previous level of independence.

Data from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2018 and 2025 found that one in seven Malaysians aged 60 and above experienced at least one fall in the previous 12 months.

Several factors increase the risk of falls. Age-related loss of muscle mass, known as sarcopenia, affects balance, mobility and reaction times. NHMS 2025 found that 45% of older Malaysians have sarcopenia, while 10% live with dementia.

Chronic illnesses and medications can also contribute to falls through dizziness, drowsiness or sudden drops in blood pressure. Among Malaysians aged 60 and above, 39% have diabetes and 73% have hypertension.

As we age, many of us experience some decline in physical function. NHMS 2025 found that 10% of older Malaysians have limitations in daily activities, 4% have vision impairments, and 30% are physically inactive.

For these reasons, fall prevention deserves far greater attention.

Our own experience reflects this reality. Once we reached the age of 60, we began routinely using lightweight, adjustable walking sticks, despite remaining active and relatively fit.

Over time, we came to appreciate the added stability and confidence they provide. Today, we rarely leave home without them.

Some people look at us curiously. Why would two healthy-looking individuals use walking sticks?

The answer is simple. We have seen too many older people suffer falls that resulted in fractures, prolonged disability, loss of independence and, in some cases, premature death.

A walking stick provides extra balance and support, particularly on uneven pavements, stairways, slippery surfaces and poorly maintained walkways.

Unfortunately, many older people are still malu or feel embarrassed to use a walking stick because they believe it makes them appear old or frail.

(Image: Healthhub)

Instead, some rely on umbrellas, which are not designed to support body weight and can create additional hazards. Others depend heavily on family members for support. We often see seniors walking unsteadily, shuffling cautiously and placing themselves at unnecessary risk.

Falls do not occur only outside the home. NHMS data shows that many falls take place in and around the house.

Recognising this, we have made several modifications to our own home. We installed non-slip bathroom flooring, covered drains and lowered storage areas that were difficult to reach. As we approach our seventies, we are also considering installing grab bars and handrails.

There is another issue worth addressing. Many Malaysian buildings, including hospitals, clinics and government offices, continue to use polished marble flooring.

While visually attractive, marble surfaces can become extremely slippery when wet and pose a significant risk to older adults, people with disabilities and young children.

Public facilities should place greater emphasis on safety and accessibility when making design choices.

If you are over 60 and believe you do not need a walking stick because you are still fit and active, that may well be true today. However, falls often occur unexpectedly, and a single fall can permanently alter a person’s quality of life.

There is no shame in taking simple precautions to remain mobile, independent and safe. A walking stick is not a sign of weakness. It is a practical tool that can help prevent injuries, preserve independence and improve quality of life as we age. 

Datuk Dr Amar-Singh HSS is a consultant paediatrician and child disability activist.

The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of  MMKtT

- Focus Malaysia.

MCA calls for probe into alleged illegal immigrant settlement in Segambut

 

AN MCA leader has called for an investigation into an alleged illegal immigrant settlement in Segambut following claims that the area has remained despite repeated complaints and enforcement notices issued over the years.

MCA Selangor State Liaison Committee Chairman Datuk Lawrence Low said the allegations, recently raised by Batu UMNO Division Chief Datuk Seri Gulam Muszaffar, warranted immediate attention from the relevant authorities.

According to Low, a video shared on Gulam’s Facebook page purportedly shows several structures within the settlement bearing eviction notices issued by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) approximately a decade ago.

He said residents had allegedly lodged multiple complaints with enforcement agencies and raised the matter with the Segambut Member of Parliament’s office, but claimed the settlement remained in place.

“If the allegations are accurate, the public deserves to know why the settlement has continued to exist despite previous enforcement action and complaints,” Low said in a statement.

He urged Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) and Segambut MP Hannah Yeoh to visit the site together with DBKL and the Immigration Department to assess the situation and determine whether enforcement action is required.

(Image: Bernama)

Low also called for an inquiry into the handling of the matter, particularly if authorities had been aware of the settlement’s existence for an extended period.

“There should be transparency regarding what action has been taken and whether there were any administrative shortcomings that contributed to the situation remaining unresolved,” he said.

He added that if evidence of misconduct, abuse of power or corruption emerged, the matter should be referred to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for further investigation.

Low pointed out that local residents had a right to receive clear explanations from the relevant authorities and elected representatives regarding issues affecting their communities.

“The concerns raised by residents should be addressed openly and transparently. Public confidence depends on accountability and effective enforcement,” he stated. ‒  Focus Malaysia

Netizen claims Rosmah is trying to buy Najib’s freedom through US$13 mil mansion transfer

 

JUST WHEN many Malaysians thought the chapter on the 1MDB saga was slowly fading into history, a fresh social media allegation has reignited public interest in the financial networks surrounding former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

A video posted on X by social media user @lansvin alleges that a luxury mansion in New Jersey’s ultra-exclusive Margo Way, often described as part of America’s “Billionaire’s Row,” may be linked to efforts aimed at securing a pardon for Najib.

The property, reportedly valued at close to US$13 mil, has become the focus of intense speculation after claims emerged regarding a series of ownership transfers involving individuals allegedly connected to the former premier’s family and influential figures.

According to the allegations presented in the video, the mansion was initially purchased under the name of Daniyar Kessikbayev, Najib’s son-in-law.

The post further claims that the acquisition was directed by Rosmah while Najib was serving his prison sentence.

BREAKING material that arrived now to my hands! Corrupt former Malaysian PM Najib Razak’s wife funds a 13M$ mansion purchase for her son-in-law. A few weeks ago, the mansion is transferred to an associate of the royal family, while a pardon request is on their table for the… pic.twitter.com/mXsJZ1F6J1

— Mark Lansvin (@lansvin) June 11, 2026

The controversy deepened with claims that, in May 2026, a confidential declaration of trust transferred ownership of the property to Daran Investments Capital Inc, a British Virgin Islands-registered company described as having opaque ownership structures.

The video further alleges that the company’s shareholder is Daing A. Malek Daing A. Rahman, an individual said to be closely associated with the Johor royal household. 

At the time of writing, no official statement from US law enforcement agencies has been publicly released confirming the specific allegations contained in the social media post.

Nevertheless, the allegations have gained traction because they touch on themes that have long surrounded the 1MDB affair.

Prompted by the video, netizen @vishalshergill gave a short breakdown in the comment section about the situation in Malaysia.

Then there was @Eilameen12 stating that Najib is not in jail, but the media merely says that he is.

“I genuinely feel sorry for regular Malaysians who actually believe in justice,” added @DanielleRobdany.

Check out the hilarious photo comments too:

However, a sceptical @saifulimran pointed out an inaccuracy presented by the video.

Here we can note why public interest alone cannot substitute for evidence.

Social media has become increasingly effective at uncovering unusual corporate arrangements and property transactions. 

At the same time, it is also a space where speculation travels much faster than verified facts.

Whether the New Jersey mansion ultimately proves to be a significant lead or merely another chapter in the endless swirl of online speculation is a question that only a transparent investigation can answer. — Focus Malaysia