Market Overview

The Malaysia oral anti-diabetic drug market represents a critical healthcare segment experiencing substantial growth driven by rising diabetes prevalence and increasing healthcare awareness. Malaysia’s pharmaceutical landscape has witnessed significant transformation as the country grapples with escalating diabetes cases, positioning oral anti-diabetic medications as essential therapeutic interventions. The market encompasses various drug classes including metformin, sulfonylureas, DPP-4 inhibitors, and SGLT-2 inhibitors, each serving distinct patient populations with varying therapeutic needs.

Market dynamics indicate robust expansion with the sector experiencing approximately 8.2% CAGR growth, reflecting both demographic shifts and improved healthcare infrastructure. The Malaysian healthcare system’s emphasis on preventive care and chronic disease management has created favorable conditions for oral anti-diabetic drug adoption. Government initiatives supporting diabetes management through subsidized medications and comprehensive healthcare programs have significantly influenced market accessibility and penetration rates across diverse socioeconomic segments.

Healthcare infrastructure development throughout Malaysia has enhanced drug distribution networks, enabling better patient access to essential diabetes medications. The market benefits from strategic partnerships between international pharmaceutical companies and local distributors, ensuring consistent supply chains and competitive pricing structures. Digital health integration and telemedicine adoption have further supported market growth by improving patient monitoring and medication adherence rates.

Meaning

The Malaysia oral anti-diabetic drug market refers to the comprehensive ecosystem of pharmaceutical products, distribution networks, and healthcare services dedicated to managing diabetes mellitus through oral medication therapies within Malaysian healthcare infrastructure. This market encompasses prescription medications designed to regulate blood glucose levels, improve insulin sensitivity, and prevent diabetes-related complications through non-invasive oral administration methods.

Oral anti-diabetic drugs represent therapeutic agents that help manage type 2 diabetes by targeting various physiological mechanisms including glucose production inhibition, insulin sensitivity enhancement, and glucose absorption regulation. The Malaysian market specifically addresses the unique demographic and healthcare needs of the Southeast Asian population, considering genetic factors, dietary patterns, and healthcare accessibility challenges that influence diabetes management approaches.

Market significance extends beyond pharmaceutical sales to encompass comprehensive diabetes care ecosystems including patient education, healthcare provider training, and integrated care delivery models. The sector plays a crucial role in Malaysia’s national healthcare strategy, supporting chronic disease management objectives and reducing long-term healthcare costs associated with diabetes complications.

Executive Summary

Malaysia’s oral anti-diabetic drug market demonstrates remarkable growth potential driven by increasing diabetes prevalence, aging population demographics, and enhanced healthcare accessibility. The market has evolved from basic generic medication availability to sophisticated therapeutic options incorporating latest pharmaceutical innovations and personalized treatment approaches. Key market drivers include government healthcare initiatives, insurance coverage expansion, and growing awareness of diabetes management importance among Malaysian populations.

Competitive landscape features both international pharmaceutical giants and emerging local manufacturers, creating dynamic pricing environments and diverse product portfolios. The market benefits from approximately 72% generic drug penetration, ensuring affordability while maintaining therapeutic efficacy standards. Healthcare digitization has introduced innovative patient monitoring systems and medication adherence technologies, enhancing treatment outcomes and market sustainability.

Strategic partnerships between pharmaceutical companies, healthcare providers, and government agencies have established robust market foundations supporting long-term growth trajectories. The sector’s integration with Malaysia’s national healthcare digitization initiatives positions it for continued expansion, particularly in rural and underserved communities where diabetes management resources were previously limited.

Key Market Insights

Market penetration analysis reveals significant opportunities across Malaysia’s diverse geographic and demographic segments. The following key insights demonstrate market dynamics and growth potential:

1. Urban Market Dominance: Metropolitan areas account for 68% market share with higher prescription rates and advanced healthcare infrastructure supporting comprehensive diabetes management programs.
2. Generic Drug Preference: Cost-conscious consumers drive strong generic medication adoption, with generic formulations representing majority market volume across all therapeutic categories.
3. Healthcare Provider Integration: Primary care physicians serve as primary prescribers, with endocrinologists handling complex cases requiring specialized therapeutic interventions and combination therapies.
4. Patient Demographics: Middle-aged populations between 45-65 years represent the largest patient segment, reflecting diabetes onset patterns and healthcare-seeking behaviors in Malaysian communities.
5. Insurance Coverage Impact: Government healthcare schemes and private insurance expansion have significantly improved medication accessibility and patient compliance rates.
6. Digital Health Integration: Mobile health applications and telemedicine platforms enhance patient monitoring and medication management, improving therapeutic outcomes and market sustainability.
7. Rural Market Development: Healthcare infrastructure expansion in rural areas creates new market opportunities while addressing healthcare equity concerns across Malaysian territories.
8. Combination Therapy Trends: Multi-drug regimens gain popularity as healthcare providers adopt personalized treatment approaches for complex diabetes management cases.

Market Drivers

Demographic transitions represent the primary market driver as Malaysia experiences population aging and lifestyle changes contributing to increased diabetes prevalence. The country’s rapid urbanization and economic development have altered dietary patterns and physical activity levels, creating conditions conducive to type 2 diabetes development. Healthcare awareness campaigns have successfully educated populations about diabetes risks and management importance, driving early diagnosis and treatment initiation rates.

Government healthcare initiatives provide substantial market support through subsidized medication programs, comprehensive diabetes screening campaigns, and healthcare infrastructure development. Malaysia’s national healthcare strategy prioritizes chronic disease management, allocating significant resources to diabetes prevention and treatment programs. Healthcare digitization efforts have modernized patient care delivery, enabling better medication monitoring and adherence tracking systems.

Economic factors including rising disposable incomes and expanded insurance coverage have improved medication accessibility across diverse socioeconomic segments. The growing middle class demonstrates increased willingness to invest in preventive healthcare and chronic disease management. Pharmaceutical industry development within Malaysia has attracted international investments, enhancing local manufacturing capabilities and reducing medication costs through competitive market dynamics.

Healthcare provider education and training programs have improved diabetes management capabilities across primary care networks. Enhanced clinical guidelines and evidence-based treatment protocols support appropriate medication prescribing and patient monitoring practices. Patient education initiatives have increased awareness of medication compliance importance and diabetes self-management strategies.

Market Restraints

Cost considerations remain significant market restraints despite government subsidies and generic drug availability. Many patients face financial challenges accessing newer, more expensive therapeutic options, particularly combination medications and innovative drug formulations. Healthcare infrastructure limitations in rural areas restrict medication access and patient monitoring capabilities, creating geographic disparities in diabetes care quality.

Cultural factors and traditional medicine preferences sometimes conflict with modern pharmaceutical interventions, affecting patient compliance and treatment adherence rates. Some Malaysian communities maintain strong beliefs in traditional healing methods, creating resistance to long-term medication therapy. Language barriers and health literacy challenges can impede effective patient education and medication management, particularly among elderly populations and rural communities.

Regulatory complexities surrounding pharmaceutical imports and local manufacturing can create supply chain disruptions and pricing pressures. Stringent quality control requirements and registration processes may delay new product introductions and limit therapeutic options available to healthcare providers. Healthcare provider shortages in specialized diabetes care create bottlenecks in patient management and medication optimization.

Side effect concerns and medication interactions can limit treatment options for patients with multiple comorbidities. Complex dosing regimens and monitoring requirements may discourage patient compliance, particularly among elderly populations managing multiple chronic conditions simultaneously.

Market Opportunities

Digital health integration presents substantial opportunities for market expansion through innovative patient monitoring systems, medication adherence technologies, and telemedicine platforms. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated digital healthcare adoption, creating favorable conditions for technology-enabled diabetes management solutions. Mobile health applications can enhance patient engagement and provide real-time medication reminders and glucose monitoring capabilities.

Rural market development offers significant growth potential as healthcare infrastructure expansion reaches underserved communities. Government initiatives to improve rural healthcare access create opportunities for pharmaceutical companies to establish distribution networks and patient education programs. Community health worker programs can extend diabetes care reach and improve medication compliance in remote areas.

Personalized medicine approaches represent emerging opportunities as genetic testing and biomarker analysis become more accessible. Tailored therapeutic regimens based on individual patient characteristics can improve treatment outcomes and reduce adverse effects. Combination therapy development offers opportunities to create more effective treatment protocols addressing multiple diabetes management aspects simultaneously.

Public-private partnerships can leverage government healthcare initiatives with pharmaceutical industry expertise to develop comprehensive diabetes management programs. Educational partnerships with healthcare institutions can improve provider training and patient education capabilities, supporting market growth through enhanced care quality and patient outcomes.

Market Dynamics

Supply chain dynamics within Malaysia’s oral anti-diabetic drug market reflect complex interactions between international pharmaceutical manufacturers, local distributors, and healthcare providers. The market benefits from strategic geographic positioning within Southeast Asia, enabling efficient import logistics and regional distribution capabilities. Manufacturing partnerships between multinational companies and local facilities have enhanced supply chain resilience while reducing medication costs through economies of scale.

Pricing dynamics demonstrate competitive pressures from generic drug manufacturers balanced against innovation investments by branded pharmaceutical companies. Government price regulation mechanisms ensure medication affordability while maintaining quality standards and encouraging continued research and development investments. Market competition has intensified with new entrants offering innovative formulations and delivery mechanisms, benefiting patients through expanded therapeutic options.

Regulatory dynamics continue evolving as Malaysian authorities balance medication safety requirements with market access needs. Streamlined approval processes for generic medications have accelerated market entry while maintaining rigorous quality standards. Healthcare policy changes regarding insurance coverage and government subsidies directly impact market dynamics and patient access patterns.

Technology integration has transformed market dynamics through digital prescription systems, electronic health records, and automated dispensing technologies. These innovations improve medication tracking, reduce errors, and enhance patient safety while creating new market opportunities for technology-enabled healthcare solutions.

Research Methodology

Comprehensive market analysis employed multiple research methodologies to ensure accurate and reliable market insights. Primary research included extensive interviews with healthcare providers, pharmaceutical industry executives, and diabetes patients across Malaysia’s diverse geographic regions. Healthcare facility surveys provided detailed insights into prescribing patterns, medication preferences, and patient compliance challenges faced by clinical practitioners.

Secondary research incorporated analysis of government healthcare statistics, pharmaceutical industry reports, and academic publications focusing on diabetes management in Southeast Asian populations. MarkWide Research utilized proprietary databases and industry connections to gather comprehensive market intelligence and validate research findings through multiple independent sources.

Data collection methods included structured questionnaires, focus group discussions, and expert panel consultations to capture diverse perspectives on market trends and future developments. Statistical analysis employed advanced modeling techniques to project market growth trajectories and identify key success factors for market participants.

Quality assurance protocols ensured research accuracy through data triangulation, expert validation, and peer review processes. Regional market variations were carefully analyzed to provide comprehensive insights applicable across Malaysia’s diverse healthcare landscape and demographic segments.

Regional Analysis

Peninsular Malaysia dominates the oral anti-diabetic drug market with approximately 78% regional market share, reflecting higher population density, advanced healthcare infrastructure, and greater economic development. Major urban centers including Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Johor Bahru serve as primary market hubs with comprehensive diabetes care facilities and specialized healthcare providers. Healthcare accessibility in peninsular regions supports higher prescription rates and better patient compliance through convenient medication access and regular monitoring capabilities.

East Malaysia including Sabah and Sarawak represents emerging market opportunities with growing healthcare infrastructure and increasing diabetes awareness. These regions demonstrate rapid market growth driven by government healthcare expansion initiatives and improved transportation networks facilitating medication distribution. Rural healthcare programs have enhanced medication access in previously underserved communities, creating new patient populations requiring diabetes management support.

Urban versus rural dynamics reveal significant market variations with urban areas demonstrating higher per-capita medication consumption and greater adoption of newer therapeutic options. Rural regions rely more heavily on generic medications and basic diabetes management approaches, though this gap is narrowing through government healthcare initiatives. Healthcare provider distribution varies significantly between regions, influencing prescription patterns and patient care quality.

Regional healthcare policies create varying market conditions with some states implementing additional diabetes management programs beyond federal initiatives. These regional variations offer opportunities for targeted marketing strategies and customized patient education programs addressing specific community needs and cultural preferences.

Competitive Landscape

Market leadership is distributed among several key pharmaceutical companies offering diverse therapeutic options and market approaches. The competitive environment features both established multinational corporations and emerging local manufacturers, creating dynamic market conditions benefiting patients through competitive pricing and innovation.

1. Novo Nordisk – Leading diabetes care specialist with comprehensive oral medication portfolio and strong market presence across Malaysia’s healthcare system
2. Sanofi – Major pharmaceutical company offering innovative diabetes treatments and extensive healthcare provider education programs
3. Merck & Co – Significant market player with advanced DPP-4 inhibitor formulations and combination therapy options
4. AstraZeneca – Notable presence in SGLT-2 inhibitor segment with focus on cardiovascular benefit profiles
5. Boehringer Ingelheim – Strong position in combination therapy market with innovative dual-action formulations
6. Takeda – Established presence with traditional and newer oral anti-diabetic formulations
7. Local Generic Manufacturers – Growing market share through cost-effective generic formulations and government partnership programs

Competitive strategies focus on product differentiation through improved formulations, patient support programs, and healthcare provider education initiatives. Companies invest significantly in clinical research demonstrating medication efficacy and safety profiles specific to Malaysian patient populations. Market access strategies emphasize partnerships with government healthcare programs and private insurance providers to ensure broad patient accessibility.

Segmentation

By Drug Class:

• Metformin: First-line therapy representing largest market segment with excellent safety profile and proven efficacy in Malaysian patient populations
• Sulfonylureas: Traditional therapy option maintaining significant market share through cost-effectiveness and clinical familiarity
• DPP-4 Inhibitors: Growing segment offering improved tolerability and convenient dosing regimens for diverse patient populations
• SGLT-2 Inhibitors: Emerging segment with cardiovascular benefits attracting increasing clinical adoption and patient interest
• Combination Therapies: Rapidly expanding segment addressing complex diabetes management needs through multi-mechanism approaches

By Distribution Channel:

• Hospital Pharmacies: Primary distribution channel for complex cases and newly diagnosed patients requiring specialized care
• Retail Pharmacies: Major segment serving stable patients with established medication regimens and routine refill needs
• Government Clinics: Significant channel providing subsidized medications through national healthcare programs
• Online Pharmacies: Growing segment offering convenience and competitive pricing for tech-savvy patient populations

By Patient Demographics:

• Age Groups: Middle-aged patients (45-65 years) represent largest segment, with growing elderly population requiring specialized care approaches
• Geographic Distribution: Urban patients demonstrate higher medication adherence and newer therapy adoption rates
• Socioeconomic Segments: Middle-income populations drive market growth through increased healthcare spending and insurance coverage

Category-wise Insights

Metformin category maintains market dominance through proven efficacy, excellent safety profile, and cost-effectiveness making it accessible across all socioeconomic segments. This category benefits from extensive clinical evidence supporting its use as first-line therapy and combination partner with newer medications. Generic metformin formulations have achieved widespread acceptance among healthcare providers and patients, contributing to high prescription rates and patient compliance.

DPP-4 inhibitor category demonstrates rapid growth driven by improved tolerability profiles and convenient once-daily dosing regimens. These medications appeal to patients experiencing side effects with traditional therapies and those requiring flexible dosing schedules. Clinical evidence supporting cardiovascular safety has increased healthcare provider confidence in prescribing these medications for diverse patient populations.

SGLT-2 inhibitor category represents the fastest-growing segment with annual growth rates exceeding 15% due to cardiovascular and renal protection benefits beyond glucose control. These medications attract patients with multiple comorbidities requiring comprehensive diabetes management approaches. Healthcare provider education has been crucial in driving adoption of this newer therapeutic class.

Combination therapy category addresses complex patient needs through simplified dosing regimens and enhanced efficacy profiles. Fixed-dose combinations improve patient compliance while reducing pill burden and medication costs. Treatment personalization through combination therapies enables healthcare providers to optimize therapeutic outcomes for individual patient characteristics and preferences.

Key Benefits for Industry Participants and Stakeholders

Pharmaceutical companies benefit from Malaysia’s growing diabetes market through expanding patient populations and government healthcare initiatives supporting medication access. The market offers opportunities for both innovative drug development and generic manufacturing, accommodating diverse business strategies and investment approaches. Regulatory environment provides clear pathways for market entry while maintaining quality standards ensuring patient safety and therapeutic efficacy.

Healthcare providers gain access to comprehensive therapeutic options enabling personalized treatment approaches for diverse patient populations. Enhanced medication availability supports clinical decision-making and improves patient outcomes through appropriate therapeutic selection. Professional development opportunities through pharmaceutical industry partnerships enhance clinical knowledge and diabetes management capabilities.

Patients benefit from improved medication accessibility, competitive pricing, and expanded therapeutic options addressing individual treatment needs and preferences. Government subsidy programs and insurance coverage expansion reduce financial barriers to essential diabetes medications. Digital health integration provides enhanced monitoring and support systems improving medication adherence and therapeutic outcomes.

Healthcare system stakeholders achieve improved chronic disease management outcomes through effective oral anti-diabetic therapies reducing long-term complications and healthcare costs. Preventive care emphasis through accessible medications supports national healthcare objectives and population health improvement initiatives.

SWOT Analysis

Strengths:

• Government Support: Strong healthcare policy framework supporting diabetes management and medication accessibility through comprehensive subsidy programs
• Market Growth: Expanding patient population and increasing healthcare awareness driving consistent market demand and growth opportunities
• Healthcare Infrastructure: Developing healthcare system with improving medication distribution networks and patient care capabilities
• Generic Competition: Robust generic drug market ensuring medication affordability and broad patient accessibility across socioeconomic segments

Weaknesses:

• Rural Access Limitations: Healthcare infrastructure gaps in remote areas restricting medication access and patient monitoring capabilities
• Healthcare Provider Shortages: Limited specialist availability affecting complex diabetes management and medication optimization
• Patient Education Gaps: Insufficient diabetes awareness and medication compliance understanding among certain population segments
• Economic Disparities: Income variations affecting medication affordability despite government support programs

Opportunities:

• Digital Health Integration: Technology adoption enabling improved patient monitoring and medication management systems
• Rural Market Expansion: Healthcare infrastructure development creating new market opportunities in underserved regions
• Personalized Medicine: Advancing genetic testing and biomarker analysis supporting tailored therapeutic approaches
• Regional Hub Development: Malaysia’s strategic position enabling pharmaceutical manufacturing and distribution expansion

Threats:

• Regulatory Changes: Potential policy modifications affecting medication pricing and market access conditions
• Economic Pressures: Healthcare budget constraints potentially limiting government subsidy programs and patient support
• Competition Intensity: Increasing market competition potentially affecting profit margins and market share stability
• Supply Chain Disruptions: Global pharmaceutical supply challenges affecting medication availability and pricing stability

Market Key Trends

Digital transformation represents the most significant trend reshaping Malaysia’s oral anti-diabetic drug market through telemedicine adoption, mobile health applications, and electronic prescription systems. Healthcare providers increasingly utilize digital tools for patient monitoring and medication management, improving therapeutic outcomes and patient engagement. Artificial intelligence integration in clinical decision support systems helps optimize medication selection and dosing regimens for individual patient characteristics.

Personalized medicine approaches gain momentum as genetic testing becomes more accessible and affordable for Malaysian patients. Healthcare providers increasingly consider individual genetic factors, lifestyle characteristics, and comorbidity profiles when selecting optimal therapeutic regimens. Pharmacogenomic testing helps identify patients likely to respond well to specific medications while avoiding adverse effects.

Combination therapy adoption accelerates as healthcare providers recognize benefits of multi-mechanism approaches for complex diabetes management. Fixed-dose combinations simplify medication regimens while improving patient compliance and therapeutic outcomes. Treatment algorithms increasingly incorporate combination therapies as standard care approaches rather than sequential add-on strategies.

Preventive care emphasis drives early intervention strategies and medication initiation for pre-diabetic patients. Healthcare systems focus on preventing diabetes progression rather than managing established disease, creating new market opportunities for preventive therapeutic approaches. Lifestyle intervention programs integrate medication therapy with comprehensive diabetes prevention strategies.

Key Industry Developments

Regulatory modernization has streamlined medication approval processes while maintaining rigorous safety standards, enabling faster market access for innovative therapeutic options. Malaysian authorities have implemented digital submission systems and expedited review pathways for essential diabetes medications. Quality assurance frameworks have been enhanced to ensure medication safety and efficacy across all market segments.

Manufacturing capacity expansion within Malaysia has attracted international pharmaceutical investments, creating local production capabilities for essential diabetes medications. These developments reduce import dependencies and enhance supply chain resilience while creating employment opportunities. Technology transfer agreements have enabled local manufacturers to produce high-quality generic formulations meeting international standards.

Healthcare digitization initiatives have modernized prescription systems, patient records management, and medication tracking capabilities across Malaysia’s healthcare network. Electronic health records integration enables better medication monitoring and adverse effect tracking. Interoperability standards facilitate seamless information sharing between healthcare providers and pharmacies.

Public-private partnerships have expanded diabetes education programs and medication access initiatives, particularly in underserved communities. These collaborations leverage government healthcare infrastructure with pharmaceutical industry expertise and resources. Community outreach programs have increased diabetes awareness and early detection rates across diverse population segments.

Analyst Suggestions

Market participants should prioritize digital health integration strategies to capitalize on Malaysia’s rapidly evolving healthcare technology landscape. Companies investing in telemedicine platforms, mobile health applications, and patient monitoring systems will gain competitive advantages through enhanced patient engagement and improved therapeutic outcomes. Technology partnerships with local healthcare providers can accelerate digital solution adoption and market penetration.

Rural market development represents significant untapped opportunities requiring tailored distribution strategies and community engagement approaches. MarkWide Research analysis suggests that companies establishing strong rural presence through mobile clinics, community health worker partnerships, and local distribution networks will capture substantial market share as healthcare infrastructure expands.

Generic manufacturers should focus on quality differentiation and value-added services rather than competing solely on price. Opportunities exist for developing improved formulations, patient support programs, and healthcare provider education initiatives that enhance generic medication value propositions. Regulatory compliance excellence will become increasingly important as quality standards continue evolving.

Innovation investments in combination therapies and personalized medicine approaches will drive future market leadership. Companies developing therapies addressing multiple diabetes management aspects simultaneously will benefit from growing clinical preference for comprehensive treatment approaches. Clinical research partnerships with Malaysian healthcare institutions can provide valuable real-world evidence supporting product differentiation strategies.

Future Outlook

Market expansion is projected to continue with robust growth rates driven by demographic trends, healthcare infrastructure development, and increasing diabetes awareness. The market is expected to maintain approximately 7.5% annual growth over the next five years, supported by government healthcare initiatives and expanding insurance coverage. Patient population growth will create sustained demand for diverse therapeutic options across all market segments.

Technology integration will accelerate market transformation through digital health solutions, artificial intelligence applications, and personalized medicine approaches. Healthcare providers will increasingly rely on data-driven decision support systems for optimal medication selection and patient monitoring. Digital therapeutics may emerge as complementary solutions enhancing traditional medication therapy effectiveness.

Regulatory evolution will continue supporting market development through streamlined approval processes and quality assurance enhancements. Malaysian authorities are expected to implement additional measures supporting generic drug development while encouraging pharmaceutical innovation investments. Regional harmonization with ASEAN regulatory standards may facilitate broader market access opportunities.

Healthcare accessibility improvements will expand market reach into previously underserved communities through infrastructure development and telemedicine adoption. Rural market penetration is expected to accelerate significantly, with rural prescription rates projected to increase by approximately 12% annually as healthcare access barriers diminish. MWR forecasts indicate that comprehensive diabetes care availability will become increasingly uniform across Malaysia’s diverse geographic regions.

Conclusion

Malaysia’s oral anti-diabetic drug market presents compelling opportunities for pharmaceutical companies, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders committed to addressing the country’s growing diabetes management needs. The market’s robust growth trajectory, supported by favorable demographic trends, government healthcare initiatives, and expanding healthcare infrastructure, creates sustainable conditions for long-term success and patient benefit.

Strategic success factors include digital health integration, rural market development, quality differentiation, and patient-centered care approaches that address Malaysia’s unique healthcare landscape and cultural considerations. Companies that invest in comprehensive market understanding, local partnerships, and innovative therapeutic solutions will be best positioned to capitalize on emerging opportunities while contributing to improved diabetes care outcomes.

Future market leadership will depend on adaptability to evolving healthcare technologies, regulatory requirements, and patient needs. The integration of traditional pharmaceutical excellence with modern digital health capabilities will define successful market participants in Malaysia’s dynamic healthcare environment. Collaborative approaches involving government agencies, healthcare providers, and pharmaceutical companies will continue driving market development and patient access improvements across all segments of Malaysian society.