The Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Universiti Malaya, extends its warmest congratulations to Dr. Mohamad Borhanuddin Helmy bin Zanail on his successful defence of his Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) dissertation titled “Prevalence and Factors Associated with Malnutrition Among Orang Asli Children in Rural Areas of Pahang and Perak”

This significant achievement reflects Dr. Mohamad Borhanuddin Helmy’s dedication to addressing a critical public health issue affecting one of Malaysia’s most vulnerable communities.

Tackling Childhood Malnutrition Among the Orang Asli

Dr. Mohamad Borhanuddin Helmy’s groundbreaking research sheds light on the alarming prevalence of malnutrition and anaemia among Orang Asli children in rural Peninsular Malaysia. The findings from his cross-sectional study reveal the extent of this public health challenge:

34.97% of children were underweight.
55.77% were stunted,
7.56% were wasted, and
86.96% were anaemic.

His work identifies key risk factors, such as low birth weight, early weaning initiation, inadequate iron intake, child hunger, and limited healthcare access. Additionally, environmental and sociocultural factors, including living in resettlement areas and reliance on natural water sources, were shown to influence malnutrition outcomes.

The study underscores the urgent need for holistic, multisectoral interventions. Dr. Mohamad Borhanuddin Helmy’s recommendations emphasise culturally sensitive strategies, community empowerment, and improved healthcare accessibility to combat these challenges and enhance the nutritional status of the Orang Asli children.

Acknowledgments

We wish to acknowledge the invaluable guidance and mentorship provided by Dr. Mohamad Borhanuddin Helmy bin Zanail’s supervisors, Professor Dr. Moy Foong Ming and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tharani Loganathan, whose expertise and support were instrumental in the completion of his dissertation.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Professor Dr. Hamid Jan Jan Mohamed, Nutrition Programme, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, as the External Examiner, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nik Daliana Nik Farid, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, as the Internal Examiner.

We would also like to thank the Committee of Examiners for their thorough evaluation and insightful feedback, including Professor Dr. Fung Shin Yee, the Chairperson of the viva voce session; Professor Dr. Shahrul Bahyah Kamaruzzaman, Deputy Dean (Postgraduate Studies), Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya; and Professor Dr. Victor CW Hoe, Head of Department, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya.

A Vision for the Future

Dr. Mohamad Borhanuddin Helmy’s research offers critical insights for public health policymakers, healthcare providers, and community leaders. His findings provide a foundation for evidence-based interventions to address malnutrition and anaemia in Orang Asli children, emphasising sustainable solutions tailored to the unique needs and cultural contexts of the community.

We are confident that his work will inspire meaningful change and contribute significantly to improving health equity in Malaysia.

Heartiest Congratulations

Once again, we congratulate Dr. Mohamad Borhanuddin Helmy bin Zanail on this remarkable accomplishment. We wish him continued success in his future endeavors and look forward to his valuable contributions to public health and nutrition.