Kuala lumpur: The additional allocation of RM350 million, raising the total to RM1 billion, is poised to bolster the implementation of the National Digital Health Ecosystem and Connectivity Driver (PERSADA), aimed at expediting the digitalisation of Malaysia's public health sector.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) stated that the additional funds will enhance ongoing digitalisation efforts for public clinics and hospitals. MCMC expressed its support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's recent announcement of the allocation, which aims to expand internet connectivity and implement the Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system.

The MCMC emphasized that this initiative is crucial for achieving the goal of 'One Individual, One Record', which will allow more efficient and coordinated access to patient health information across public health facilities. The commission also highlighted that this cross-ministry collaboration could expedite digitalisation efforts, initially scheduled for 2045, to as early as next year.

According to MCMC, the digitalisation of health services is anticipated to streamline treatment processes, cut waiting times, and lower indirect costs, particularly benefiting the B40 and M40 groups. Over 300,000 patients who visit public clinics and hospitals daily are expected to benefit from these enhancements.

MCMC reiterated its commitment to working alongside the Ministry of Health (MOH) and industry stakeholders to establish a robust, interconnected, and future-ready digital public health ecosystem, aiming for improved, more accessible health services for all Malaysians.

In addition to the extra allocation, Prime Minister Anwar, serving also as the Minister of Finance, announced five other initiatives. These include restoring the Budi MADANI RON95 Programme (BUDI95) base eligibility from 200 liters to 300 liters monthly, increasing the maintenance allocation for all schools for 2027 by 50 percent from RM1 billion to RM1.5 billion, and opening the AI Untuk Rakyat programme to Malaysian youths aged 18 to 30.

Further, the e-Invoice exemption threshold will rise from RM1 million to RM3 million annually, and micro-financing facilities will increase by RM1 billion, raising the total funds for 2026 from RM5 billion to RM6 billion.