Page 93 - Dasar Literasi Kesihatan Kebangsaan

Before the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2019 and Malaysia
Health Literacy Survey (MHLS) 2023, health literacy measurement in Malaysia only
focused on functional health literacy, which includes basic skills such as reading,
writing and simple calculations related to health information. However, functional
health literacy still has limitations in assessing individuals’ critical thinking skills to
make better health decisions.

The results of the survey indicated that Malaysians have an adequate level of
health literacy but are impending the minimum score threshold. Detailed analysis
shows the need to enhance individuals’ ability to assess information and make
health-related decisions. The ability to critically evaluate is crucial in this era where
health information is easily accessible. The widespread access to the internet
opens up opportunities for disseminating high-quality health-related information
in healthcare and disease prevention. However, the more challenging issue is
the dissemination of misinformation and misleading information, which can
influence individuals’ health decision-making and behavior. The findings of the
National Health and Morbidity Survey (2019) and Malaysia Health Literacy Survey
(2023) also highlight the need for a shift in thinking and approaches to enhancing
individuals’ critical skills in assessing health information as this will help improve
the overall health literacy level of the country.

Therefore, the 12 Malaysia Plan has prioritized strengthening the health literacy
th
of the population. Strategies to develop the DLKK have been agreed upon as one
of the strategies to improve public knowledge and understanding of basic health
and necessary services for well-being. In line with this, a health literacy monitoring
system will be developed to support the implementation of this policy. This
initiative aligns with the goals of the Healthy Malaysia National Agenda (ANMS),
which aims to promote a healthy lifestyle by focusing on improving health literacy
levels through better governance.

NATIONAL HEALTH LITERACY POLICY 7