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

The ministry said it has taken note of concerns raised in an FMT report titled “45 contract pharmacists in limbo as jobs end Saturday”, Bernama reported.

In a statement today, it said those affected may reapply when permanent positions are opened at the end of 2027.

They will be placed under a new entry grade of UF10, previously known as UF43, in line with the implementation of the Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA), which came into effect on Dec 1, 2024.

“This strategic realignment is an important step to strengthen the national health human resource system to be more equitable, transparent and competitive in the long term,” the statement said.

The ministry said any offer of permanent appointment is conditional.

“Appointment and placement letters will only be issued once candidates meet all stipulated criteria, including health clearance, statutory declarations as well as confirmed vacancies,” it said.

It noted that there are also cases where the officers involved are reserve candidates. As such, they must wait their turn for appointment based on current vacancies.

FMT had reported that up to 45 experienced contract pharmacists would lose their government jobs by last Saturday after failing to receive appointment letters, despite being offered permanent positions last October.

Aside from this group, which had served as contract officers for at least five years, another 40 will lose their jobs in July if the health ministry does not offer them permanent posts.

Former senator Dr RA Lingeswaran, who raised the matter in the Dewan Negara in October, said these officers were among 352 contract pharmacists offered permanent posts and told to wait for their appointment letters, with no dates given.

The health ministry had put 352 contract pharmacists on a waiting list for permanent positions.

“Of these, only 143 pharmacists still remain in service while 209 have quit for various reasons. Some told me they quit because of the undue delay and uncertain future,” Lingeswaran said.

Source : FMT

She said that based on hospital data last year, a total of 543 patients who attended the specialist psychiatric clinic were found to have substance addiction along with symptoms of mental disorders.

“For last year’s data, 31 cases were referred to the addiction clinic due to drug abuse issues coupled with mental health symptoms. These patients will receive treatment and are required to attend regular follow-up sessions,” she told Bernama recently.

For patients admitted to psychiatric wards, Dr Nik Lili said it is estimated that nearly half of them have issues related to drug and substance abuse.

According to her, most cases involve adults, but there are also cases among teenagers affected by the abuse of synthetic drugs such as ketamine, methamphetamine, Epam, as well as “mushroom” vape liquids.

Dr Nik Lili said that in certain cases, drug abuse can cause damage to brain function, especially if it occurs at a young age or involves substances, such as glue, that have toxic effects on the nervous system.

She added that the use of synthetic drugs such as methamphetamine, which can keep individuals awake for four to five days, may trigger psychotic episodes, including hallucinations and delusions.

On the perception that mental health patients caused by drug abuse no longer crave or remember the substances, she said this is not necessarily true.

“Some patients continue using drugs even while undergoing treatment. Addiction itself is a disease. When they fail to stop, mental health symptoms can worsen.

“In some cases, patients relapse by taking illicit substances to reduce symptoms such as anxiety or depression, but this ultimately worsens their mental health condition,” she said.

Dr Nik Lili said mental disorders related to drug use can occur at various stages, including while the individual is still using substances or during withdrawal phases.

“Whether a person can fully recover depends on the duration of use, type of drug, and other factors including family support and continuous treatment,” she said.

She advised the public to seek early treatment if they experience symptoms of mental health disorders and not to underestimate the impact of drug abuse on mental health.

Source: Bernama

Temperature readings reaching between 37 and 40 degrees Celsius prompted people to be more careful to avoid the adverse effects of extreme hot weather.

A resident, Mohd Sharudin Ahmad Sobri, 38, said he reduced outdoor activities and avoided exposure to hot weather unless necessary.

He said high temperatures can cause a feeling of fainting and are risky, especially when riding a motorcycle.

“If there is nothing to do, I spend more time at home. When I go out, my skin feels sore from the heat, and the current weather conditions feel hotter than before,” he said when met here today.

Meanwhile, Nur Suraya Johari, 27, said she now always carries an umbrella every time she goes out as protection from the sun.

“Sometimes I avoid leaving the house, especially with small children as I’m worried about their safety. In this situation, taking care of my health and drinking enough water is very important,” she said.

For sugarcane juice trader Mahdi Hassan, 46, the hot weather has given him a slight advantage as sales have increased compared to before.

“If previously the average sales were around 40 kilogrammes, now it has doubled to about 80 kilogrammes a day, but it usually sold out as early as 3 or 4 pm,” he said.

Yesterday, the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) announced that the entire Perlis, four districts in Kedah and one district in Perak had recorded a Level 2 heat wave, while 13 other areas in Peninsular Malaysia were at Level 1, which is on alert.

According to MetMalaysia, Level 2 is declared when the daily maximum temperature exceeds between 37 and 40 degrees Celsius for at least three consecutive days, while Level 1 refers to a daily maximum temperature between 35 and 37 degrees Celsius during the same period.

In Kedah, the four districts that recorded Level 2 are Kota Setar, Pokok Sena, Pendang and Baling, while Level 1 involves Padang Terap, Kubang Pasu, Pulau Langkawi, Kuala Muda, Sik, Kulim and Bandar Baharu.

Source: Bernama

Impact on Naphtha supply, petrochem production

The escalating conflict in the Middle East has severely constrained naphtha supplies, a critical petrochemical feedstock. Asian petrochemical producers, which source a substantial portion of their naphtha from the Middle East, are experiencing significant disruptions. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway through which about a fifth of global oil trade passes, has seen tanker traffic halted due to Iranian attacks on oil tankers, leading to supply chain strain, according to a report from ICIS.

Several Asian countries are directly affected

In Japan, already multiple petrochemical firms, including Maruzen Petrochemical and Mitsui Chemical, have reportedly canceled naphtha import tenders and announced production cuts due to concerns over strained supplies. According to a report, over 40% of Japan’s naphtha imports come from the Middle East, and at least six of its 12 ethylene production facilities are reducing output. Companies like Shin-Etsu Chemical and Tosoh Corp. are increasing prices for products like polyvinyl chloride resin and polyethylene, citing rising naphtha costs.

Over in South Korea, the largest importer of Middle East naphtha in Asia, sourcing 54% of its supply via the Strait of Hormuz, is  also facing significant concerns from its petrochemical producers. Companies such as Lotte Chemical, GS Caltex, LG Chem, and SK Energy need to decide within weeks whether to find alternative sources or cut output. The South Korean government has implemented emergency measures to restrict naphtha exports by oil refiners due to shortages.

Over in Singapore, disruptions to oil flows are tightening naphtha supply, a key feedstock for plastics used in medical items like syringes and catheters , while makers are reportedly  increasing prices, with some anticipating rises of up to 50%. Singaporean firms like PCS and Aster Chemicals and Energy have declared “force majeure” on shipments and cut crude runs. Likewise, Indonesia’s Chandra Asri declared force majeure on all contracts due to raw material supply disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict.

Related: From Epic Fury to Epic Risks: global healthcare in peril

Grim times for medical device manufacturing

The instability in naphtha supply directly affects the manufacturing of medical devices, as naphtha is a primary raw material for plastics, such as polyethylene and polypropylene, used in various medical products. This has led to rising production costs and potential product price increases. These increased costs for essential materials will likely be passed on to consumers.

The situation puts chain supply in a preacriuos situation. As conflict takes a worse turn, existing vulnerabilities in the medical device supply chain are also exacerbated. According to an article in Think Global Health

, reliance on specific transport hubs and fragile cold chains shows the need for diversification. While countries like Singapore maintain diversified sources and sufficient stockpiles, many in Africa face supply shocks due to limited inventories. The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported deficitsin vulnerable nations, with its Dubai hub paused amid airspace disruptions.

Asian countries weathering the storm

To cope with the uncertainty, manufacturers are shifting from “just-in-time” to “just-in-case” supply chain approaches, building buffer stocks, and securing secondary suppliers. However, these are often longer-term solutions that do not address immediate challenges. Some Chinese enterprises are relocating production capacity to Southeast Asia, the Middle East, or Europe, and increasing R&D investment to enhance resilience.

At the end of the day, the conflict’s impact extends beyond naphtha to other critical medical components and logistics. Based on the Think Global Health article, the war has disrupted major logistics corridors, including the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf air hubs, causing global supply delays and higher freight costs. Marine insurance premiums have surged, with war coverage nearly doubling for Red Sea routes and rising over 1,000% for vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.

The conflict also threatens the global helium supply, with Qatar as the world’s second-largest producer. Helium is critical for cooling MRI machines, and prolonged disruptions could raise prices and strain procurement for the roughly 50,000 machines in use worldwide.

As the Asian region fortifies its resilience to weather economic challenges, petrochemical producers are responding to naphtha supply constraints by reducing output, declaring force majeure, exploring alternative feedstocks, and seeking government support until the impact of the conflict eases.

Reproduction challenges in space

Human reproduction in space is starting to look like a real possibility as interest grows in exploring and settling on other planets. Still, new research suggests it may be more complicated than expected, with microgravity creating challenges for fertilization.

Researchers from the University of Adelaide have found that microgravity conditions can disrupt sperm navigation, raising new questions about human reproduction beyond Earth. The study examined how space-like environments affect fertilization and early embryo development.

The research, conducted by the Robinson Research Institute and collaborators, tested sperm samples from humans and other mammals using a device that simulates zero gravity. According to the team, the system disorients cells to replicate the conditions experienced in space.

Loss of direction, not movement

The study showed that sperm exposed to simulated microgravity were less successful in navigating a maze designed to mimic the female reproductive tract. Dr Nicole McPherson, senior author of the study, said the results confirmed that gravity plays a role in guiding sperm toward the egg.

She explained that fewer sperm were able to reach their target under microgravity, even though their movement remained unchanged. This suggests that the issue lies in orientation rather than motility.

Hormone may help restore navigation

Researchers found that adding progesterone improved the ability of human sperm to navigate under simulated microgravity. According to Dr McPherson, the hormone may act as a guiding signal released by the egg, helping sperm locate the site of fertilization. She noted that this potential solution requires further investigation.

Impact on fertilization and embryo development

The study also examined how microgravity affects fertilization outcomes. Researchers observed a 30% drop-in successful fertilization rates in mouse eggs after four hours of exposure to simulated zero gravity.

Dr McPherson said longer exposure led to more serious effects, including delayed development and fewer cells involved in forming the fetus during early stages. She added that the findings show how sensitive early development is to changes in gravity.

Implications for future space missions, space reproduction

The research is part of a broader effort to understand how humans could reproduce in space. Associate Professor John Culton, director of the Andy Thomas Centre for Space Resources, said understanding reproduction in microgravity is important as space exploration expands.

He explained that future research will examine how different gravity levels, such as those on the Moon and Mars, affect reproduction. Scientists are also studying whether changes occur gradually or only after a certain threshold is reached.

Despite the challenges, the findings offer some optimism. Dr McPherson said that healthy embryos were still able to form under simulated space conditions, suggesting that reproduction beyond Earth may be possible with further research.

The study was published in Communications Biology and marks one of the first to examine sperm navigation under controlled microgravity conditions.

In a statement on Monday (March 23), it assured the public that based on the current assessment of supply, the impact of the conflict in the Middle East in the short term is minimal.

“We (the ministry) keep between one and three months of medicine stocks at our facilities based on usage requirements.

“We are supported by an additional two-month buffer at the concessionaire level for medicines supplied through concession arrangements.

“Overall, monitoring of the domestic drug supply is carried out continuously through existing mechanisms, including the supply disruption reporting system from the Product Registration Holders (PRH) operated by the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA),” it read.

It said that as of Sunday (March 22), no increase has been detected in reports from PRH regarding supply interruptions.

“Feedback from the local pharmaceutical industry indicates that domestic manufacturers hold raw material stocks for up to three months and finished products for about two months.

“Importers are monitoring their respective supply chains as well.

“The ministry will continue to monitor the conflict in the Middle East.

“We are committed to proactive measures, including establishing a taskforce comprising pharmaceutical industry players and relevant stakeholders.

“This is to ensure the security of the medicine supply, particularly for items under the National Essential Medicines List (NEML),” it said.

Logistics navigating risky waters

Iran’s retaliatory airstrikes on US military bases in several Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, along with restrictions on cargo passing through the Strait of Hormuz, have disrupted global trade. Major carriers have ceased using this key route, which handles about 20% of global oil trade. Rerouting vessels around the Cape of Good Hope has added days to delivery times. Air freight costs have surged and capacity has tightened, affecting the delivery of important cargo, including some medical devices.

In the current situation, global research firm Fitch Solutions outlines three scenarios for the medical sector amid the ongoing Gulf conflict: A short-lived escalation would increase supply chain and logistics pressure for medical devices in GCC markets, with limited global impact. Disruption in the Strait of Hormuz would hike energy prices, raising manufacturing and distribution costs, particularly in Asia and Europe due to their reliance on imported energy.

Under a prolonged, large-scale conflict, disruptions would expand from regional to global, delaying capital equipment procurement and pressuring manufacturers’ margins. Extended disruption in the strait would make logistics challenges more structural, with persistent rerouting, reduced carrier presence in high-risk routes and tighter air cargo capacity affecting the global market. Import-reliant regions across Asia, the Middle East and Africa would face longer lead times, higher costs and more frequent shortages of critical components and finished devices.

Sustained high oil and LNG prices would further increase production and distribution costs, especially in Europe and Asia, while squeezing public funds and limiting healthcare budgets. Hospitals, particularly in emerging markets, may defer non-essential capital spending such as imaging upgrades while prioritizing essential supplies and maintenance. For manufacturers, rising input costs and ongoing upheavals would compress margins and push efforts to diversify supply chains, including more regional production and multisourcing to reduce reliance on key routes.

Escalating conflict disrupts humanitarian supply routes

Major aid groups continue to support war-affected populations, but ongoing conflict and blocked routes are delaying deliveries. Humanitarian organization Direct Relief  said escalating hostilities are straining health systems and limiting transport of supplies. Over the past year, it has delivered more than US$100 million in medical aid and grants to healthcare partners across the Middle East and neighboring countries.

As fighting continues and populations move, hospitals report rising patient demand. At the same time, fuel shortages, damaged infrastructure, and constrained supply chains are limiting care. Armed conflict places dual pressure on healthcare systems, increasing demand while reducing capacity due to damaged facilities and interrupted supply routes.

In the current Gulf conflict, facilities report fuel shortages affecting generators and essential equipment, limited medicines and supplies, and higher demand for trauma and surgical care. Services such as dialysis, oncology, maternal health, and immunization are also being affected. Mass displacement compounds the crisis as patient volumes rise.

Airspace restrictions and flight cancellations are delaying cargo routes used for humanitarian shipments, while key pharmaceutical transit hubs face operational issues. Maritime tensions are also affecting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, according to Direct Relief.

Unstable transport routes often force aid groups to reroute shipments to keep medicines safe, traceable, and compliant with regulations. Continued instability could extend supply constraints beyond the conflict zone and affect neighboring humanitarian programs.

Direct Relief works with licensed providers and local partners across the region while maintaining medical stockpiles in Europe and the Middle East, allowing it to respond quickly when supply routes reopen.

Tensions fuel a surge of health threats

The World Health Organization (WHO) said the ongoing Middle East conflict is burdening health systems as injuries and displacement rise, attacks on healthcare continue, and public health risks grow.

Within ten days of the hostilities, casualties have risen sharply. Iran has reported thousands of deaths and injuries, while Lebanon has recorded hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries. Israel has also reported multiple fatalities and injuries, with numbers expected to increase as the fighting continues.

The conflict is also affecting life-saving services. Since February 28, WHO has verified 18 attacks on healthcare in Iran, resulting in eight deaths among health workers. In Lebanon, 25 attacks have caused 16 deaths and 29 injuries. These incidents are reducing access to care when it is most needed.

Public health risks are increasing as displacement grows. More than 100,000 people in Iran have relocated, while up to 700,000 in Lebanon are internally displaced, many in crowded shelters with limited access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene. This raises the risk of respiratory and diarrheal diseases, especially among women and children.

Environmental risks are also rising. In Iran, petroleum fires and damaged infrastructure have exposed communities to toxic pollutants that can affect air, water, and food safety.

Access to healthcare is becoming more limited. In Lebanon, 49 primary healthcare centers and five hospitals have closed following evacuation orders, reducing essential services. In the occupied Palestinian territory, movement restrictions are delaying ambulances and mobile clinics in the West Bank. In Gaza, medical evacuations remain suspended since February 28, while hospitals are buckling under pressure due to shortages of medicines, supplies, and fuel, which is being rationed for critical services.

Airspace restrictions have slowed the movement of medical supplies from WHO’s logistics hub in Dubai. More than 50 emergency supply requests, intended to support over 1.5 million people across 25 countries, are delayed, creating backlogs. Priority shipments include supplies for Gaza via Al Arish, Egypt, as well as Lebanon and Afghanistan.

The escalation comes as humanitarian needs in the Eastern Mediterranean were already high. About 115 million people require assistance, nearly half of the global total, while health emergency appeals remain 70% underfunded, according to WHO. It added that without stronger healthcare safeguards and funding, vulnerable populations and fragile health systems will continue to struggle.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said patients will be contacted by their respective hospitals on the new dates.

“For patients whose appointments fall on those public holidays, they will be contacted and given a new appointment date,” he said after launching the Cik Era initiative, a digital engagement effort aimed at supporting smokers who wish to quit.

Earlier today in Kota Kinabalu, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced an additional public holiday for Hari Raya Aidilfitri next week.

Anwar said if Hari Raya falls on Friday, the additional public holiday will be on Monday. However, should the holiday fall on Saturday, the additional holiday will be on Friday.

It was reported that the sighting of the Syawal new moon to determine the date of Hari Raya Aidilfitri will take place at 29 locations nationwide on March 19.

Meanwhile, Dzulkefly said government hospitals nationwide will continue operating as usual throughout the Hari Raya holidays.

“Operations at our hospitals will continue as usual, 24 hours a day. We work around the clock even during public holidays,” he said.

Dzulkefly said medical personnel scheduled for on-call duty would remain at work to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services.

He said monitoring of any health-related incidents that could potentially affect public health would continue throughout the festive period.

Dzulkefly said surveillance would be carried out by the Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre (CPRC) at both state and national levels to ensure the situation remains under control.

On the Cik Era initiative, he said it complements the JomQuit programme, which has recorded encouraging results since its introduction in 2015.

“Through JomQuit, we have recorded a smoking cessation success rate of about 58.5 per cent. A total of 2,476 clients have successfully quit smoking, which is an encouraging achievement,” he said.

Dzulkefly said Cik Era functions as a communication and support platform that accompanies smokers throughout their journey by providing guidance and follow-ups.

He said between Oct 13, 2024, and Feb 3, 2026, the initiative recorded 9,200 communications with clients, with 9,349 individuals registered under the programme.

“Out of this number, 4,858 consultations were carried out to support smokers in their effort to quit,” he said.

However, Dzulkefly said 1,434 people indicated they were not interested in continuing, while 3,056 could not be contacted, reflecting the challenges in maintaining engagement throughout the cessation process.