Heart disease remains the leading cause of premature deaths in Malaysia among individuals aged 30 to 69, an alarming statistic that prompted the Selangor government to launch the Selangor Government’s Heart Treatment Scheme in 2022.

Jamaliah Jamaluddin, the Selangor State Public Health and Environment Committee chairperson said her office is aware that treating heart disease can be both financially and emotionally burdensome for families, which is what prompted the establishment of the scheme.

“If you need heart surgery...