Kini RM1 bilion diperuntuk pacu pendigitalan kesihatan awam

PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian government has raised the budget for enhancing digital access in public health care from RM650 million to RM1 billion, as directed by the Prime Minister, according to a government spokesperson, Fahmi Fadzil. The additional funds will specifically be used to expand Internet access, including public Wi-Fi facilities, and to implement Electronic Medical Records (EMR) systems in government hospitals and clinics.

The EMR initiative, Fahmi explained, draws upon the success of a pilot project initiated at the Padang Besar Health Clinic. "Doctors can now access patient information without referring to physical documents... everything is handled electronically," he said during the 2026 Malaysia National Day Anniversary Speech at the Bilateral Summit Convention Centre Putrajaya.

The digital health initiative forms part of six urgent measures announced by the government on Malaysia's National Day, scheduled to take effect from September 1. Further discussions to accelerate and expand the availability of these facilities are planned, Fahmi added, noting that initially, 15 hospitals are expected to be fully equipped, but he hopes this number will be increased.

Out of 2,000 health clinics, efforts will be made to boost the number that can be managed this year. Fahmi also touched upon the free Artificial Intelligence (AI) initiative for the youth announced by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, describing it as a significant opportunity for local youth to enhance their digital skills. "As the Prime Minister announced, there is space for 100,000 youths aged 18 to 30 to join the AI for Nation program, which will provide them with free three-month subscriptions to three AI applications," he added, stating that detailed information about the initiative will be announced by the Digital Ministry.