Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad taken to National Heart Institute for observation after fall
PETALING JAYA: Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has been warded at Institut Jantung Negara (IJN) for observation following a fall at his residence early Tuesday morning.
The 100-year-old statesman was brought to the cardiac specialist centre in Kuala Lumpur at approximately 9.30am, his press secretary Suffi Yusoff confirmed to media.
According to Suffi, Dr Mahathir fell while moving about at his home earlier in the day. The former premier remained conscious throughout and was transported to IJN via ambulance as a precautionary measure.
“Yes, he was admitted to IJN after the fall and is currently receiving comprehensive monitoring,” Suffi stated when contacted by reporters.
The press secretary added that medical professionals are conducting thorough evaluations, though the severity of any injuries sustained remains unclear pending updates from the attending doctors.
Hospital sources indicated that Dr Mahathir is under close observation by IJN’s medical team. As of Tuesday afternoon, family members and officials were awaiting detailed assessments from the specialists overseeing his care.
The veteran politician’s family has requested that the public await official updates rather than speculate about his condition, emphasising that comprehensive medical evaluations are ongoing.
This marks another hospital admission for the centenarian leader, who has required medical attention multiple times in recent months.
Most recently, on July 13, 2025, Dr Mahathir was admitted to the same facility due to exhaustion. That hospitalisation followed his attendance at a Picnic & Potluck celebration in Putrajaya marking both his 100th birthday and his wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali’s 99th birthday.
Dr Mahathir has a documented history of cardiac issues dating back decades. The Langkawi MP suffered his first heart attack in 1989 at age 64, followed by two more in 2006. He underwent quadruple bypass surgery in 2007.
Despite his advanced age and periodic health concerns, Dr Mahathir remains active in Malaysian politics as a Member of Parliament for Langkawi and continues to be a prominent voice in national affairs.
He served as Malaysia’s Prime Minister for nearly 24 years during his first tenure from 1981 to 2003 under Barisan Nasional, then returned to lead the Pakatan Harapan government from 2018 to 2020, making him the world’s oldest serving prime minister at the time.
News of Dr Mahathir’s hospitalisation spread quickly across social media, with many Malaysians expressing concern and offering prayers for his recovery.
Political figures from across the spectrum have consistently shown respect for the elder statesman during his various health episodes, with some leaders having visited him during previous hospitalisations.
IJN, Malaysia’s premier cardiac care facility, is well-equipped to handle complex medical cases and has treated Dr Mahathir on numerous occasions over the years.
Medical updates are expected to be released by Dr Mahathir’s office or IJN as his condition is further assessed. The public has been urged to refrain from spreading unverified information and to rely only on official statements.
As Malaysia’s longest-serving prime minister and a figure who has shaped the nation’s development for over four decades, Dr Mahathir’s health continues to be a matter of public interest and concern.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available from medical authorities.
