Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is an upcoming public health problem in Malaysia. This study analysed the
trend of Hepatitis B (HB) cases from 2003 to 2012 and project the cases for an 18-year period (2013–2030).
Based on the national data of annual reported cases and the Malaysian population projections (2010–2040),
trend/regression lines were fitted to analyse the trend and estimated HB incidence. The number of HB
cases decreased for six consecutive years and began to increase from 2010 onwards. During the 10-year
period (2003–2012), the highest number of HB cases was reported in Sabah, followed by Pahang and
Wilayah Persekutuan; the lowest was reported in Perlis. The exponential curve shows a decrease of HB
cases by an average of 6.3%. However, the polynomial curve shows fluctuations in the trend, with a higher
degree of R-square (0.8655). Most states appear to be at moderate vulnerability to HBV infection (Kedah,
Perak, Negeri Sembilan, Terengganu, Sabah, and Sarawak), except for Melaka, Wilayah Persekutuan, and
Selangor, which were at high risk of HB incidences. Overall, the estimated HB cases indicate that the
number of cases and the incidence rates will increase in the future in all states, except for Penang. As the
estimated HB cases and incidence rates show an increasing pattern, the government should strengthen
their strategies in the management of HB and take preventive measures such as educating the public
through awareness programmes, conducting compulsory blood screening, and sustaining the Expanded
Programme on Immunization effectively.