Between 2023 and 2025, the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) conducted health screenings among Malaysian workers that revealed 59.2% are overweight or obese [1, 2, 3, 4]. These screenings also found that about 19% of workers have diabetes and 17.45% suffer from high blood pressure [1, 2, 3, 4]. High cholesterol levels were detected in 59.24% of the screened workforce [1, 2, 3, 4].
The highest rates of these non-communicable diseases (NCDs) were concentrated among workers aged 40 to 59. Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, Deputy Human Resources Minister, said, "We need to realise that the pre-retirement phase is a productive period, but at the same time, it is also a critical period for the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs)." He added that only 14.7% of Malaysian senior citizens currently achieve healthy ageing, highlighting the urgency for preventive health measures [1, 2, 3, 4].
Cancer remains the third leading cause of death in the country, with an increasing incidence among younger people, the minister noted [2].
On May 17, 2026, Datuk Khairul Firdaus launched the SOCSO Run and Ride 2026 event, held to coincide with Labour/Workers’ Day. The event drew a record turnout of 12,000 participants, with nearly 30% aged between 40 and 59 [1, 2, 3]. The minister expressed hope that workers of all ages would adopt healthier lifestyles, stating, "This is a very encouraging development and I hope all workers, regardless of age, will continue to embrace a healthy lifestyle. This is because workers’ health is a key determinant of our productivity and indirectly influences socio-economic sustainability" [3].
The SOCSO health screenings and the wide participation in Run and Ride 2026 mark key steps in addressing the health challenges faced by the aging workforce in Malaysia. Further screenings and health promotion activities are expected to continue as part of efforts to curb NCD risks among workers.
