Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia must brace itself for the United States (US) government’s announcement of new tariffs that will affect pharmaceutical products. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said during the Cabinet meeting yesterday that Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz informed the ministers that the exemption status of pharmaceutical products from tariffs is currently being confirmed by the US.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the ministers are awaiting an announcement on whether pharmaceutical products will be exempted from the 24 per cent tariff. The imposition of these tariffs will have significant implications on the supply chain and beyond. Dr Dzulkefly emphasized the need for preparedness, as the import-export issue is anticipated to affect all involved countries.

During a press conference at Tapah Hospital, after attending a Values Integration and Cordial Session with health workers of the Batang Padang District, Dr Dzulkefly refrained from elaborating further but underscored the urgency of preparation in light of the potential tariff imposition.

It was reported yesterday that the US government plans to impose tariffs on pharmaceutical products, removing them from the sector exemption list announced by President Donald Trump last Wednesday. Trump reportedly justified the decision as a necessary response to actions by several countries to control medicine prices.