KUCHING, Dec. 20 -- Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii has raised the alarm over a silent crisis of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the city, calling for enhanced early screening, stronger prevention measures, and equitable access to healthcare for all.

Citing local health data, he revealed that hypertension and high cholesterol rates in Kuching are significantly above the national average.

He cautioned these figures represent only diagnosed cases, with many more likely undetected.

"For hypertension, we are significantly above the national average. In Kuching, 21.4 per cent of men and 25.5 per cent of women are affected, compared to national averages of 16 per cent and 18 per cent respectively," he said.

"High cholesterol levels here...