KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reiterated Malaysia’s commitment to spearheading advancements in healthcare and regulatory integration across ASEAN, with aspirations to establish the country as a leader in high-technology medical manufacturing and healthcare innovation within the region.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar emphasized the necessity for the Ministry of Health to improve infrastructure, workforce skills, and the integration of emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and 5G into the healthcare system. This development is backed by a substantial allocation of RM45 billion in the 2025 Budget.

Anwar highlighted the need for these initiatives to be implemented swiftly, efficiently, and transparently. With Malaysia set to assume the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, the Prime Minister underscored the country’s commitment to advancing Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRAs) and leading efforts to create a more efficient and integr
ated regulatory framework within the region.

“Our goal is not only to reduce market barriers for manufacturers but also to improve the accessibility of safe and effective medical devices, ultimately enhancing patient care and strengthening the healthcare system across the region,” Anwar stated at the closing ceremony of the International Medical Device Exhibition and Conference (IMDEC) 2024 in Kuala Lumpur.