Kuala lumpur: The implementation of health reforms must be guided by accurate, evidence-based data to ensure policies effectively strengthen Malaysia's healthcare ecosystem, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, drawing on his background in toxicology, Dr. Dzulkefly emphasized that the approach reflects the discipline's fundamental principle that "the dose makes the poison." He explained, "Just as in toxicology, we cannot merely treat external symptoms; we must identify and address the root cause. This philosophy strongly underpins the Ministry of Health's (MOH) health reform agenda."

He further elaborated that the Ministry is moving away from temporary and superficial solutions, opting instead for substantial reforms. These reforms include comprehensive healthcare digitalisation, sustainable health financing, and ensuring the welfare of frontline healthcare workers.

Dr. Dzulkefly made these remarks in a Facebook post following the launch of the 11th Asia Congress of Toxicology (ASIATOX-XI). He also hailed Malaysia's opportunity to host the prestigious congress for the first time as a significant achievement.

The conference, which brought together about 300 delegates from across the region and beyond, was organized through the collaboration of the Malaysian Society of Toxicology (MySOT), the Institute for Medical Research (IMR), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Moreover, Dr. Dzulkefly highlighted the congress's important milestone, which was marked by the launch of the Asian Registered Toxicologist (ART) initiative. This initiative aims to recognise the toxicology profession while promoting regionally aligned and internationally respected competency standards.