Fatal Consequences: The Misuse of Antibiotics and its Threat to Malaysia's Health

From Everyday Ailments to Superbugs, Strepsils Sounds the Alarm on The High Cost of Misusing Antibiotics

Strepsils, the world’s leading throat relief brand, recently hosted the ‘Resist Resistance’ Panel, bringing together prominent voices from the Ministry of Health, including Dr. Ho Bee Kiau, Consultant Family Medicine Specialist, Klinik Kesihatan Bandar Botanic, Klang, and Dr. Rahela Ambaras Khan, Head of the Pharmacotherapy Branch, Pharmacy Department, Kuala Lumpur Hospital. The panel also includes leading medical experts Professor Dr. Baharudin Abdullah, Senior Consultant, Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Universiti Sains Malaysia; Dr. Mohazmi Mohamad, Family Medicine Specialist, Department of Primary Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya; and Dr. Koh Kar Chai, President of the Manipal Alumni Association Malaysia, to address the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

The panel sounded a critical warning on the rampant misuse of antibiotics in Malaysia, highlighting the urgent need for responsible healthcare practices. One common but dangerous example is the treatment of sore throats. Although most are caused by viruses and do not require antibiotics, many Malaysians still demand or expect them—fueling the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This misuse is not just harmful; it is helping to build a future where simple infections could once again become deadly. The panel discussion aimed to correct these harmful misconceptions and push for informed, life-saving choices. As part of responsible throat care, the panel highlighted the role of symptom-targeted treatments that help reduce throat pain, swelling, and difficulty swallowing—offering effective relief for viral sore throats without contributing to resistance. Products like Strepsils spray demonstrate how targeted therapies can support the reduction of unnecessary antibiotic use.

In Malaysia, the overuse of antibiotics is particularly concerning – a recent study found that only 2.8% of sore throat cases in public primary care clinics are caused by Group A Streptococcus (GAS), the only common bacterial cause warranting antibiotics, yet 22.3% of these patients still receive antibiotics, with over 90% of these prescriptions deemed unnecessary.

To counter this, the panel discussion spotlighted the Malaysian Multidisciplinary Sore Throat Consensus, a newly launched set of clinical guidelines aimed at helping healthcare professionals make accurate diagnoses and reduce inappropriate antibiotic use. The framework promotes evidence-based sore throat management with a strong focus on patient education and non-antibiotic treatment options.

“The Ministry of Health is scaling up national interventions to address antibiotic misuse. Our focus is on policy enforcement, enhancing clinical guidelines, and running large-scale education campaigns to shift both public and professional behaviour. Combating antimicrobial resistance requires collective responsibility, and we’re committed to leading that charge,” said Dr. Ho Bee Kiau of the Ministry of Health Malaysia.

“As part of our antimicrobial stewardship efforts at Hospital Kuala Lumpur, we see firsthand how misuse—often driven by misinformation—can lead to treatment failure and drug-resistant infections. Empowering patients with the right knowledge is critical to preventing a future where even routine infections become untreatable,” said Dr. Rahela Ambaras Khan, Head of Pharmacotherapy Services, Hospital Kuala Lumpur.

Adding to the sentiment, Professor Dr. Baharudin Abdullah, one of the authors of the Sore Throat Consensus noted, “Clinical guidelines like the Malaysian Multidisciplinary Sore Throat Consensus are designed to support better diagnostic decisions. When used correctly, they help reduce reliance on antibiotics for viral infections, which don’t benefit from them. Our data shows a persistent gap between what’s medically appropriate and what’s being prescribed. Closing that gap is essential.”

“Patients often feel uncertain when told antibiotics aren’t needed. That’s why education is key—not just for doctors, but for the public. When people understand why antibiotics don’t work for viral sore throats, they’re more likely to accept alternative treatments and avoid contributing to resistance.” echoed Dr. Mohazmi Mohamad.

“Public awareness and professional guidelines are our best tools in this fight. We need to move away from a ‘pill for every ill’ mindset. Studies have shown that this approach can significantly reduce unnecessary antibiotic use, which is a critical step in combating AMR,” added Dr. Koh Kar Chai.

In line with promoting responsible sore throat management, the Malaysian Multidisciplinary Sore Throat Consensus also provides healthcare professionals with clear, evidence-based guidance on when antibiotics are necessary—and when they are not. The guidelines highlight the value of accurate diagnosis, patient education, and symptom-targeted care, reinforcing the importance of accessible solutions that help manage viral sore throats without relying on antibiotics.

“Antibiotic misuse is not just a medical issue, but a public health crisis that demands immediate action. The first step in combatting AMR is changing the way we think about common infections like sore throats and opting for symptom-targeted treatments, such as the Strepsils spray, rather than resorting to unnecessary antibiotic use,” said Mr. Harsh Takru, Reckitt’s Marketing Director for Health and Hygiene (Malaysia and Singapore).

As Malaysia confronts the rising challenge of AMR, Strepsils remains dedicated to creating a healthier future by equipping both patients and healthcare professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to make responsible healthcare decisions. The Resist Resistance Panel not only reinforced this commitment but also marked the official launch of the Sore Throat Consensus, a critical framework for reducing unnecessary antibiotic use and promoting evidence-based sore throat care.

Find out more, or get in touch with us at www.reckitt.com 

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