Globally, the need for palliative care is on an upward trend due to the ageing population and the rising burden of chronic diseases. In Malaysia, the proportion of palliative care needs to deaths hovered at 71 percent in the observed years. By 2030, it is observed that the growth for palliative care specifically will increase to 240 percent. Sarawak, Perak, Johor, Selangor, and Kedah will become the top five Malaysian states with the highest needs in 2030.
Palliative care is specialised medical care for people living with serious illnesses. Palliative care services were first offered in Malaysia in 1995, and they are gradually being included in the standard healthcare system.