Obesity has become a growing health concern in Malaysia, with more and more people facing weight issues due to lifestyle and dietary habits. It happens when excess body fat builds up, increasing the risk of diseases like diabetes, heart problems, and high blood pressure.

Just recently ( 6 July), medical officers and authorities were presented with an unusual challenge after a man that weighs 160kg needed medical attention. The hospital’s ambulance wasn’t built for a patient of that size. The stretcher and cabin just couldn’t handle the weight, leaving the team at Tengku Anis Hospital stuck on how to move him safely.

160kg man having to be transported to the hospital by a lorry as the ambulance couldn't fit him.
160kg man having to be transported to the hospital by a lorry as the ambulance couldn’t fit him.
Image credits: Sinar Harian

Ambulance couldn’t make the cut

That’s when the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) stepped in with a practical solution: swapping the ambulance for a lorry. Pasir Puteh District APM Captain Nik Mohd Nor Nik Mat shared that the call for help came in around 1 am, and a team of five, including one officer, was immediately dispatched to assist.

“It was a safety and logistics decision,” Captain Nik explained, noting that their priority was to ensure a smooth and quick transfer to Raja Perempuan Zainab II Hospital (HRPZ II) in Kota Bharu without risking the patient’s or team’s safety.

Teamwork helped transport that man to the hospital safely.
Teamwork helped transport that man to the hospital safely.
Image credits: Sinar Harian

The operation required close coordination between hospital staff and APM members, demonstrating their commitment to finding solutions even in unexpected situations. Thanks to the swift action and teamwork, the patient was transferred safely and received the medical attention he needed.

While the patient has been transported safely, it pushes the issue that obesity is a concern for Malaysia. Factors like easy access to fast food, sedentary lifestyles, and lack of exercise contribute to the rising obesity rates. According to health data, Malaysia has one of the highest obesity rates in Southeast Asia, making it a pressing public health challenge that requires attention from individuals, communities, and policymakers alike.

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