Kuala lumpur: The supply outlook for the medical device industry remains stable amid the ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, said Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir. He noted that the latest supply-risk assessment as of August 5 indicated that 81.3 percent of medical-device items were considered low risk in terms of supply disruption, while 18.7 percent were assessed as medium risk.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Akmal Nasrullah emphasized the importance of building resilience before supply disruptions become more severe. He stated that Malaysia's approach is to combine greater diversification with stronger domestic capability. Speaking at the International Medical Device Exhibition and Conference (IMDEC) 2026, he highlighted how geopolitical tensions, global trade shifts, and ongoing supply-chain disruptions have showcased the impact of pressures on energy, logistics, and critical inputs on production and the availability of essential goods.
Despite these challenges, Malaysia plans to continue strengthening trusted international partnerships while enhancing its domestic capabilities in technology, engineering, innovation, and production. The goal is not to withdraw from global value chains but to solidify Malaysia's position within them and enhance the country's ability to respond to future disruptions.
Akmal Nasrullah also pointed out that Malaysia already has a well-established medical-device ecosystem, supported by capabilities in electronics, precision engineering, plastics and rubber, packaging, sterilization, and advanced manufacturing. He noted that Malaysia's medical-device exports reached RM34.54 billion in 2025, reflecting the country's significant presence in global healthcare supply chains.
Highlighting the potential for Malaysia to become a stronger regional medical technology hub, Akmal Nasrullah mentioned the country's established manufacturing base, supporting industrial capabilities, international connectivity, regulatory institutions, talent, and a growing innovation ecosystem. He stated that Malaysia will continue to engage in global value chains and welcome international technology and investment, while also creating more opportunities for Malaysian companies, talent, and intellectual property to grow.
On the topic of developing Malaysian companies and talent, Akmal Nasrullah emphasized that a robust medical technology ecosystem should translate into stronger Malaysian companies. He stressed the need for small and medium enterprises and mid-tier companies to have clearer pathways to becoming specialized suppliers, product developers, technology partners, and regional exporters. This development requires closer collaboration among clinicians, researchers, engineers, manufacturers, regulators, investors, and markets, as well as talent that can work across various disciplines, including biomedical engineering, software, data science, clinical research, regulatory affairs, and advanced manufacturing.
Akmal Nasrullah concluded by stating that medical technology can deliver a double dividend by generating investment, exports, innovation, and productive jobs, while simultaneously improving healthcare efficiency and quality through better diagnostics, digital health, connected devices, and artificial intelligence-enabled solutions.