A special event, Men’s Health Day, was held at the Design Village Outlet Mall in Batu Kawan today to raise awareness about men’s health issues.
The one-day event was a joint effort by the Penang government, Penang General Hospital, and Boston Scientific, with sponsorship from Design Village Outlet Mall and Padi House.
The event offered free health screenings and on-site doctor consultations to the local community, with a particular focus on men’s health.
Penang Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen officiated the programme, describing the event as a crucial step toward addressing often overlooked men’s health issues.
“Heart disease is Malaysia’s leading cause of death, taking one in five lives. Alarmingly, nearly 80% of heart attack patients are male, with many cases occurring in men under 50. This highlights the urgency of taking men’s health more seriously,” Gooi said in his speech.
He also noted that prostate cancer is the fourth most common cancer among Malaysian men, with cases affecting individuals as young as 40.
“While treatable when detected early, over 60% of cases are diagnosed at advanced stages, underscoring the need for regular health screenings,” Gooi added.
He emphasised the importance of changing perceptions around men’s health, encouraging open conversations about often stigmatised topics such as erectile dysfunction.
“We want to create a culture where prioritising well-being is both encouraged and celebrated,” he said.
Also present during the programme today were Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik, Boston Scientific Medical Device (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd vice-president (Penang operations) Fearghal Hennessy, Penang General Hospital deputy director (medical) Dr Rozaliyana Mohd Radzi, Penang General Hospital head of urology department Dr Kumarappan Alagappan, Penang General Hospital cardiologist and physician Dr Chen Lean Seng, Design Village Outlet Mall chief operating officer Andy Song and Padi House outlet supervisor Ram Bogati.
Gooi stressed that the main objective of the event was to empower men to take control of their health.
“By educating and spreading awareness, we can create a community where men feel comfortable seeking help when needed,” he remarked.
He also expressed hopes that this inaugural Men’s Health Day would serve as a stepping stone for future initiatives to promote men’s health, calling for collective action to build a strong network of awareness and outreach.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar