Superbugs on rise: Malaysia faces growing antibiotic resistance crisis

This misuse accelerates bacterial resistance, making once-treatable infections potentially deadly

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (MNTV) — The overuse and misuse of antibiotics in Malaysia are fueling a dangerous surge in antimicrobial resistance (AMR), with experts warning of catastrophic consequences if urgent action is not taken.

Dr. Petrick Periyasamy, head of the infectious diseases department at Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz UKM, says Malaysian doctors frequently prescribe antibiotics for conditions that do not require them, including viral infections like the common cold and sore throat.

This misuse accelerates bacterial resistance, making once-treatable infections potentially deadly.

“If this trend continues, minor infections will become untreatable, routine medical procedures will carry life-threatening risks, and a simple cut could lead to dire consequences,” Dr. Petrick said. “This isn’t dystopian fiction—it’s the alarming reality we face.”

A cross-sectional study in Malaysia found that only 42.9% of antibiotic prescriptions for acute pharyngitis were appropriate, while over 58.5% were excessive. Another study of upper respiratory tract infections on the east coast in 2018 and 2019 revealed that nearly 30% of cases received inappropriate antibiotics.

In response to the crisis, Malaysia introduced the Consensus on the Treatment of Acute Sore Throat in 2024 to ensure that antibiotic prescriptions follow international best practices.

However, Dr. Petrick warns that without stricter enforcement and public awareness, the country risks entering a post-antibiotic era, where common infections could once again become fatal.

With studies showing that 68% of Malaysians have received antibiotics unnecessarily, Dr. Petrick urges immediate action to curb antibiotic misuse. “If we fail to act now, we are heading toward a future where medicine will no longer be able to save us.”