Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad said the approach is crucial as public health challenges are now global in nature, and no country is truly safe without continuous precautionary measures.

“We do not want to be an alarmist, but at the same time, we do not want the people to be complacent by saying that this is happening elsewhere (abroad),” he told reporters after attending the closing ceremony of the National Tobacco Control Conference and Lung Health Summit 2026 here today.

He said the Health Ministry’s Institute for Medical Research (IMR) has the capacity to diagnose hantavirus using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technology, which is the gold standard for disease detection.

In addition, border control measures at all international entry points have been tightened through health screenings and heightened preparedness at airports, seaports and major gateways by the International Entry Point Health Office.

As part of ongoing preventive measures, Dzulkefly said to date, a total of 22,367 ships and boats have been inspected at Malaysia’s entry points, with 2,421 pratique certificates and 1,146 Ship Sanitation Certificates (SSC) issued.
“These measures are ongoing to ensure that vessels entering the country comply with public health requirements and sanitation,” he said.

A pratique certificate is an official health clearance issued by port authorities that allows a vessel to enter port, disembark passengers, and operate after being confirmed free of infectious diseases on board.

Previously, Dzulkefly said hantavirus is a rodent-borne virus that can infect humans through air contaminated with animal droppings, urine or saliva.

He said the virus should not be taken lightly, as its complications can be fatal, with the mortality rate for Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) reaching 30 to 40 per cent.

International media had earlier reported that European countries have stepped up monitoring and isolation measures following a hantavirus outbreak linked to the Dutch-flagged cruise ship MV Hondius.

Source — Bernama

Health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said this is in response to global challenges in sourcing raw materials, dealing with the energy crisis, and overcoming the increasing surge in logistics costs worldwide following the tensions in West Asia.

He said the task force is implementing real-time data monitoring in addition to diversifying sources of drug procurement from the international market, Bernama reported.

This will ensure the country’s supply remains stable.

“At the same time, we always ensure that the frontline stock buffer for medicines categorised as critical remains strong and can last more than 60 days to protect our patients,” he said in a Facebook post.

Dzulkefly said an early warning mechanism has been activated for suppliers to report any potential shortage of supplies at least six months in advance.

“For the supply of medical devices, the Medical Devices Authority has entered into a strategic agreement with authorities in China to stabilise the supply of critical manufacturing raw materials such as resin and naphtha.

“This will enable our local manufacturers to operate without interruption.

“A special access pathway has also been provided to expedite the entry of urgent medical equipment to ensure smooth operations in operating theatres and hospitals,” he said.

Dzulkefly said a whole-of-government approach will be taken to ensure patients are not affected by any future global shocks.

State Health and Environment Committee chairman Ling Tian Soon said only 41 per cent of the total 2,271 posts have been filled so far, involving 929 staff.

He said the hospital is currently operating with its existing manpower, with priority given to recruitment efforts to enable all wards to be fully opened.

“At present, HPG is operating 14 clinical services, including the emergency department, general surgery, paediatrics and orthopaedics. The hospital has 304 beds, but only 157 beds in nine out of 14 wards are currently operational (due to manpower shortages).

“Hence, we are targeting full operation of all beds by September this year once the staffing exercise is completed,” he told a press conference on the sidelines of the Johor State Legislative Assembly sitting at the Sultan Ismail Building, Kota Iskandar, here today.

He said the state government, together with the Health Ministry (MOH), is strengthening efforts to deploy healthcare personnel, including medical officers, medical assistants and nurses, in phases.

The operational issue at HPG has also drawn the attention of Johor Regent Tunku Mahkota Ismail, who decreed at the opening of the state assembly sitting on Thursday that the hospital’s operationalisation process be expedited for the benefit of the people in the state.

Ling also expressed his highest appreciation to His Royal Highness for his concern in raising the matter, which has in turn driven the state government’s efforts to further strengthen Johor’s healthcare delivery system.

Source: Bernama

Rauf said an additional health facility was urgently needed to serve Melaka’s growing population and rising number of emergency cases, Berita Harian reported.

He said the state’s main public hospital, Melaka Hospital, is 90 years old.

He said he would discuss the matter at the next state executive council meeting before filing a formal application with the health ministry.

Rauf said the new hospital should have modern facilities and be situated in a “suitable” location.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the nation must confront the reality of an increasingly complex cancer burden, stressing that healthcare professionals, particularly oncologists, are central to sustaining an effective national response.

“We must be candid about the landscape we are facing. Cancer remains the third highest cause of death in Malaysia, with approximately 40,000 new cases reported each year.

“To meet this challenge, our workforce is our greatest asset,” he said when officiating the ‘Women in Oncology Forum: Giving Value, Gaining Impact’, here yesterday.

Organised by Roche Malaysia, the inaugural forum brought together women oncologists nationwide to exchange perspectives on mentorship, leadership and professional development in cancer care.

Malaysia currently has about 84 oncologists nationwide, a 60 per cent increase since 2019, but the number remains insufficient to meet the rising and increasingly complex care demands.

Dzulkefly said the Health Ministry remains committed to a “whole-of-society” approach, acknowledging that government efforts alone are not enough to address such multifaceted healthcare challenges.

He pointed to the “Cancer Care Closer to Community” initiative, a collaboration with Roche Malaysia, as a key example of efforts to decentralise cancer care and improve access to treatment, particularly in underserved areas.

Beyond capacity challenges, Dzulkefly touched on the human dimensions of oncology, describing it as a demanding field that requires resilience, coordination and continuous learning.

He also highlighted the added pressures faced by women oncologists, who often balance professional responsibilities with personal commitments while continuing to deliver high-quality care.

“For many women in this field, these professional demands are often compounded by responsibilities beyond the workplace. Yet, you continue to show up with resilience, compassion and an unwavering commitment to your patients,” he said.

Also present were Roche Malaysia general manager Deepti Saraf and the Ministry of Health’s Deputy Director-General of Health (Research and Technical Support), Datuk Dr Nor Fariza Ngah.

The NHMS, conducted nationwide by the Institute for Public Health (IKU) under the Health Ministry, provides key data on the health status of Malaysians. The 2025 edition marks the second assessment of older persons aged 60 and above, following its inaugural review in 2018.

According to the NHMS 2025, only 14.7% of senior citizens meet the criteria for healthy ageing, based on a survey of approximately 7,528 respondents.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad explained that “healthy ageing” is defined by five strict criteria: strong social support, absence of cognitive impairment such as dementia, freedom from depression, independence in daily activities, and either the absence of chronic diseases or well-controlled conditions.

“If only 14.7% are ageing healthily, the rest are battling chronic disease and frailty,” said Dzulkefly when launching the NHMS 2025 findings yesterday.

“Chronic diseases among seniors are increasing, with 39% having diabetes, 73% having hypertension and 76% having high cholesterol,” he added.

The Health Ministry further noted that 68% of seniors are living with at least two of these three chronic conditions, while 30% are affected by all three, describing the trend as concerning and requiring comprehensive intervention strategies.

While the survey recorded a decline in depression among older persons – from 11.2% in 2018 to 8% in 2025 – dementia showed a slight increase, rising to 9.8% in 2025 from 8.5% in 2018.

“This is closely linked to other factors, particularly non-communicable diseases that are not well controlled,” said Dzulkefly.

“Conditions such as poorly managed Type 2 diabetes and hypertension can lead to vascular complications, including multiple micro-infarcts in the brain, which may contribute to memory loss and dementia.

“If these conditions are not properly managed, we are concerned that dementia cases may rise as a result.

“To address this, particularly in managing dementia, we are strengthening and advancing our health policies through a more comprehensive approach.

“This includes the National Ageing Blueprint Malaysia and the Health Care for the Elderly Action Plan 2023-2030, as well as the National Dementia Action Plan 2023-2030.”

He also cautioned on what he described as the “silent killer” of physical decline among older adults.

“The survey found that 30.6% of our ­senior citizens are physically inactive.

“As a result, 45% are now experiencing sarco­penia or severe muscle loss, while another 60% are at risk of frailty or physical fragility.”

The Ministry of Health (MOH), in a statement today, said it is closely monitoring the situation and has implemented ongoing mitigation measures to ensure the continuity of the country’s healthcare system.

As part of proactive efforts, the Medical Device Authority (MDA) has finalised a strategic agreement with Chinese authorities to increase the supply of resin and naphtha for local industrial use.

“This initiative aims to stabilise the supply chain and ensure the continued production of critical medical devices in Malaysia. The additional supply will serve as a key catalyst in addressing current raw material shortages,” said the ministry.

The agreement followed strategic discussions chaired by the MDA chief executive, who is also chairman of the Global Harmonisation Working Party (GHWP), together with the director of China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone Administration and the Deputy Mayor of Pudong New Area.

“The Malaysian government expresses its appreciation to the Chinese government for its strong commitment to supporting the stability of raw material supply chains for the regional medical device industry,” the statement added.

MOH said it will continue to closely monitor developments to ensure the efficient and prudent distribution of medical supplies, based on clinical needs and for the well-being of the people.

Source — Bernama

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the situation reflects a growing financial burden on the country, in addition to having a significant impact on patients’ lives.

“In 2010, Malaysia spent RM572 million on treating end-stage CKD, but today the figure has risen to RM3.3 billion annually.

“This burden not only affects patients’ quality of life, but also places a very heavy financial strain on our country,” he said when officiating the National World Kidney Day 2026 observance at Wisma Majlis Bandaraya Shah Alam (MBSA) here today.

He added that the prevalence of CKD in Malaysia has also recorded a worrying increase, rising from nine per cent in 2011 to 15.5 per cent last year.

Elaborating further, he said that on average, 28 Malaysians are diagnosed with kidney failure each day and are forced to begin dialysis treatment to survive.

“More than five million Malaysians are currently living with CKD, but only five per cent are aware of it. If we fail to act decisively today, more than 106,000 Malaysians are expected to require dialysis treatment by 2040, a highly alarming figure,” he said.

In this regard, Dzulkefly said the government is also emphasising the importance of prevention to reduce the burden of the disease.

The main cause of kidney failure in Malaysia is complications from diabetes mellitus, and patients cannot rely solely on dialysis to overcome the crisis without addressing its root causes.

“The government has increased the sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) tax to 90 sen per litre effective Jan 1, 2025, as a measure to curb the main cause of the disease.

“Revenue from the excise duty on SSB in 2025 reached RM54.9 million, with RM21 million channelled back to the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH),” he said.

At the same time, he said that the funds are being used to finance treatment with Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, which can reduce the risk of CKD complications.

Earlier, Dzulkefly officiated the national-level World Kidney Day 2026 observance, organised by the National Kidney Foundation (NKF), which was also attended by Selangor Public Health and Environment Committee chairman Jamaliah Jamaluddin.

In another development, Jamaliah said the state government is strengthening public health efforts by focusing on kidney disease awareness campaigns, including expanding collaboration with NKF to enhance organ donation-related initiatives.

The collaboration, she said, is expected to combine aspects of health and environmental sustainability to address kidney disease, which is increasing every year.

In addition, Jamaliah said the state government is reviewing cooperation with the NKF to expand organ donation campaigns as one of the long-term solutions to kidney failure, and this move is expected to reduce reliance on dialysis, which places pressure on both patients and the healthcare system.

“Each session at the dialysis centre requires around 250 litres of water, so increasing organ donations can reduce the treatment burden.

“However, the rate of organ donation pledges is still low, and this is the main challenge, including situations where the wishes of donors are not respected by family members after death,” she said.

Elaborating, Jamaliah said her committee is assessing the need to expand kidney health screening programmes in the future, noting that there is no specific screening programme thus far.

She added that the state government is prepared to reassess kidney health policies in light of current trends in non-communicable diseases.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad said the government is preparing in case the West Asia conflict persists, including implementing medium- and long-term mitigation measures.

“For the immediate period until the end of June, we still have stable and sufficient stock. It’s not just government stockpiles; the industry also has its supplies. Essential medicines like insulin and vaccines must be shared,” he told reporters after the World Hearing Day 2026 celebration here today.

Dzulkefly acknowledged, however, that medicine and medical device costs have risen due to logistics, transport, and global oil price hikes.

“The cost of medicine has increased by around 30 to 40 per cent, while some medical devices have gone up between 50 and 100 per cent,” he said.

He said supply chain disruptions, including delays in medical device shipments since before March, have also pushed up prices.

As a result, he said the Ministry of Health (MOH) is discussing solutions with the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Economy, and Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living to determine the best way to manage the issue.

“Discussions include a cost pass-through mechanism and appropriate rates, either full or partial,” he said.

Dzulkefly assured the public that healthcare services will not be affected, and the government will continue taking necessary steps to manage supply disruption risks.

“We remain stable and in control, but we will take tighter measures to ensure no disruptions occur. We are looking at stricter steps to guarantee no supply-side disruption or shortage,” he said.

Source — Bernama

Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said this medium to long-term measure is part of a more robust strategy that also includes transitioning from raw resin materials to polymers for certain products.

He added that other long-term initiatives involve developing a national medicine security policy through MyMedSecure and empowering the local pharmaceutical and medical device industry.

“The global energy crisis not only affects oil and logistics, but also the supply of medicines and medical devices,” Akmal Nasrullah said during a national briefing broadcast live on television.

He explained that supply chain disruptions can cause shortages of essential raw materials like active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), petroleum, and ethylene oxide gas, thereby raising manufacturing and delivery costs.

For the short term, the government will implement a Special Access Pathway to ensure the supply of critical medicines and devices.

Other immediate measures include centralised monitoring of medicine stocks, diversifying import sources, activating emergency response plans, and designating certain items as controlled goods.

All these actions were discussed and agreed upon at a meeting of the National Economic Action Council (NEAC).

Regarding the impact of the crisis on the upcoming haj pilgrimage, Akmal Nasrullah assured that the government would ensure the safety of all 31,600 Malaysian pilgrims this year.

He stated that amid the uncertain global situation, the government will continue to act in an organised and holistic manner to safeguard the people, secure national strategic supplies, and maintain economic resilience.

“Our focus is to manage its effects, reduce its risks and ensure the people can get through this challenging period as best as possible,” he concluded.

Source: Bernama