It is known that Malays have a high prevalence of anaemia and haemoglobinopathy, such as Hb E-beta thalassaemia (Hb E/β-thalassaemia), which is in turn associated with higher foetal Hb (HbF) levels and may spuriously lower HbA1c value12. This evidence concerns the gene GSTM1 and thalassemia.