Govt's Salt Reduction Efforts Deliver High ROI, Saving RM60 For Every RM1 Spent

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 14 (Bernama) -- Every RM1 the government spends on salt reduction programmes yields a return on investment (ROI) of RM60.06 over 15 years, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said. 

He said this ROI far exceeds the RM6.64 generated from physical activity programmes and RM5.93 from tobacco control initiatives within the same period.

“In essence, if the government allocates funds for salt reduction measures, every RM1 spent could yield a return close to RM60.

“This ROI reflects potential savings from avoided heart attacks, strokes and work absences due to hypertension. Measured financially, each RM1 invested brings back RM60,” he said after launching the ‘Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases in Malaysia: The Case for Investment’ report and the 2025-2030 National Lung Health initiative briefing for MPs in Parliament today.

Dr Dzulkefly also said the government is open to reviewing laws on electronic cigarettes (vape) control if new findings emerge regarding their effects.

Meanwhile, the Health Ministry (MOH) in a statement said the report was developed in partnership with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations Interagency Task Force on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).

“The report provides an economic impact analysis of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Malaysia and identifies public health interventions with the best long-term ROI for public well-being”, the statement read.

It highlights four main NCDs – cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases – which place a significant financial burden on individuals and the country.

The study estimates the economic cost of these four major NCDs at RM64.2 billion, comprising RM12.4 billion in direct healthcare costs and RM51.8 billion in indirect costs.

-- BERNAMA