Kuala lumpur: A total of 10,000 traffic police personnel will undergo early lung disease screening under the LungShield Programme after being identified as being in a high-risk group for lung disease due to daily exposure to occupational and environmental factors. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad announced the initiative, highlighting its significance in addressing lung health concerns among law enforcement personnel.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the programme is a collaboration between IHH Healthcare, the Health Ministry (MOH), and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM). It will initially target traffic police personnel but is set to expand in stages to other departments within PDRM. Dzulkefly emphasized the urgency of early detection, noting that lung disease is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Malaysia, with many cases diagnosed at an advanced stage, complicating treatment and reducing survival rates.
In the first phase, the programme will focus on screenings for the identified high-risk group of 10,000 traffic police officers. These individuals face increased risks due to their occupational and environmental exposure. The LungShield Programme will employ chest X-ray screenings enhanced by artificial intelligence technology, alongside radiologist reports and follow-up diagnostic pathways. Financial protection mechanisms will also be implemented to improve access to lung cancer care, especially for those facing challenges in obtaining further examinations.
During his speech at the National Tobacco Control Conference and Lung Health Summit 2026, Dzulkefly stressed that combating tobacco use, nicotine addiction, and lung diseases requires collaboration across various sectors. He called for the involvement of healthcare professionals, enforcement officers, educators, parents, community leaders, the media, and civil society to promote prevention and support patients.
He concluded with a message to smokers and vapers, urging them to quit before experiencing severe health issues, and to not wait until their health deteriorates or their families urge them to make a change.