The number of Malaysians with kidney problems has been increasing, with 6,000 to 7,000 new cases recorded each year.

Deputy Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya said the ministry estimated that the number of cases from stage one to stage five had now reached 400,000, including 40,000 of them at stage five and requiring haemodialysis.

He said the increase in the number of cases was mainly due to an unhealthy lifestyle and diet.

"Each year, the government allocates not less than RM1.6 billion on the treatment cost for 40,000 patients with stage five kidney problem," he told reporters, here, Wednesday.

He said the cost of treating a kidney patient could reach RM40,000 per year which was high, adding that in light of this, the ministry was focusing on kidney disease prevention measures by carrying out public awareness campaigns.

He said the people were encouraged to practise a healthy lifestyle by engaging in physical activities like cycling and jogging, and eating a healthy diet to prevent obesity and diabetes as these could cause kidney problems. -- Bernama