Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Health (MOH) is prepared to explore healthcare financing reforms for the elderly, in line with Malaysia’s transition towards an ageing society. Its Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said that proposals under consideration include the introduction of a social protection scheme, or the establishment of special contribution mechanisms, to help fund healthcare needs in old age.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dzulkefly emphasized the necessity of diversifying and strengthening public funding sources due to the demographic shift, during the debate on the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) for his ministry at the Dewan Negara. As part of its long-term strategy, the MOH is considering the establishment of a National Health Fund, which would be financed through direct and indirect tax revenues, including pro-health taxes on high-risk products such as cigarettes, vaping, alcohol, and sugary beverages.
Dzulkefly explained that implementing such taxes is expected to promote healthier lifestyles and generate revenue that will support treatment services as well as public health initiatives and preventative care. He stressed the importance of developing an innovative and sustainable approach to healthcare financing to prevent reliance on traditional funding methods.
In related developments, Dzulkefly revealed that the MOH is reviewing the Human Tissue Act 1974 to enhance the legal framework for organ donation and transplantation.
Meanwhile, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri announced the Social Welfare Department’s (JKM) plan to establish a dedicated autism service centre for children with special needs. The centre aims to provide comprehensive services, including early detection and diagnosis, early intervention programmes, and family support, functioning as a one-stop hub for autism-related services.
Nancy reported that, as of June last year, 579 Community-Based Rehabilitation (PDK) centres had been registered nationwide, assisting over 20,000 persons with disabilities (PwDs).
In economic news, Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick informed the Senate that RM6.32 billion in financing had been channelled to 237,581 entrepreneurs and cooperatives between January and July last year. This financing was distributed through the ministry’s agencies such as TEKUN Nasional, Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia, Bank Rakyat, SME Bank, SME Corp, Pernas, and the Malaysia Cooperative Commission.
Benedick highlighted the positive performance of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which recorded a growth of 5.8 percent last year, contributing RM652.4 billion to the national economy. MSME exports surged by 31.3 percent, making up 14.3 percent of the country’s total exports. Additionally, MSMEs created jobs for 8.1 million people, marking an increase of 3.1 percent or nearly 250,000 workers, thereby raising their contribution to national employment to 48.7 percent.