Health ministry: 12 health facility projects scheduled for 2025 completed, 29 still ongoing
PUTRAJAYA, June 27 — A total of 12 out of 41 health facility construction projects scheduled for this year under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) have been completed as of June 16, according to the Ministry of Health (MOH).
Six of the completed projects will soon be officially handed over by the Works Ministry (KKR), with Pasir Gudang Hospital in Johor scheduled for handover on June 29, it added.
'The remaining 29 projects are currently in the implementation phase,' it said in a statement today, issued in conjunction with the MOH Development Action Council (MTPK) meeting, chaired by Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad.
The MTPK meeting serves as a platform to review the performance of ongoing development projects, assess their current status and coordinate the direction for the close of 12MP while laying the groundwork for the 13MP.
The MOH noted that 2024 marks the final acceleration phase to meet 12MP targets, which allocated RM6.74 billion for the implementation of 290 new projects and 389 continuation projects, bringing the total MOH development allocation since 2021 to RM25.84 billion.
As of June 16, MOH's development expenditure performance stood at 26.86 per cent, which remains below the national average of 36.31 per cent, the ministry said.
The meeting also addressed the need for firmer measures to ensure all projects are completed on schedule.
'This includes a reassessment of contractors' capabilities by the KKR through the Public Works Department (JKR) as the implementing agency, in order to determine appropriate intervention steps, in addition to more rigorous monitoring,' the statement said.
Meanwhile, Dr Dzulkefly expressed appreciation to all parties involved in successfully delivering projects on target, while stressing that any weaknesses or lapses in the management and governance of MOH development projects must be taken seriously.
'The MOH top management and all stakeholders are reminded to carry out their responsibilities transparently, swiftly and with full accountability, without compromising access to or the quality of healthcare services for the people,' he said. — Bernama

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Malay Mail
4 hours ago
- Malay Mail
From threatened waters to dinner tables: Study shows six endangered species sold as fish maw in Malaysia and Singapore shops
KUALA LUMPUR, June 28 — DNA from six critically endangered and endangered fish species has been found in fish maw products sold in stores across Malaysia and Singapore, according to a new study released last week. Researchers identified DNA from the European eel and large yellow croaker — both listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) — in samples taken from shops in both countries, The Straits Times reported today. Eleven of those samples came from the European eel, despite the European Union banning its export in 2010. 'It's not that surprising that eel maw has been sold, because you can find the eels here,' National University of Singapore (NUS) Assistant Professor Benjamin Wainwright, one of the study's authors, was quoted as saying. 'But it's interesting that the European eel is still making it here, because that should have been banned a long time ago.' The most commonly identified species was the blackspotted croaker (Protonibea diacanthus), which accounted for 58 of the 480 samples tested. The blackspotted croaker is listed as near threatened on the IUCN Red List – meaning it is at risk of becoming endangered in the near future. Four other endangered species in the fish maw samples were listed as: the cassava croaker, American eel, fourfinger threadfin, and iridescent shark. The findings were published on June 24 in the journal Conservation Letters by Wainwright and Seah Ying Giat of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT). Fish maw is made from the dried swim bladder of fish. It is considered a delicacy as well as a social status symbol for the rich that is believed to offer health benefits that is widely consumed across South-east Asia and East Asia. Between October and December 2023, the NUS-UMT researchers collected fish maw samples from Malaysian shops, followed by stores in Singapore from January to April 2024. A total of 39 different fish species were identified after the DNA extraction from 118 samples in Malaysia and 362 in Singapore. According to Wainwright, identifying species by sight is nearly impossible as the fish maw has been heavily processed. 'Fish maw has been processed, flattened, cleaned and washed. 'You can't determine what species the maw comes from without using genetic methods – so we have no idea of what species are involved in this trade in South-east Asia,' he was quoted as saying. Fresh fish maw is also served at some restaurants in Malaysia. — Picture by Ethan Lau He added that trade regulations are further complicated by broad commodity classifications. 'Commodity codes are meant to say, this is shark fin, this is shrimp, this is fish maw – but at the moment, all these products are lumped together and imported as dried fish goods.' Chester Gan, marine lead at Singapore's World Wide Fund for Nature urged consumers and companies to consider sustainability. 'Given that fish maw may originate from fisheries with little data, endangered species, or unsustainable fishing practices that harm vulnerable marine life, we urge both consumers and businesses to consider more sustainable alternatives,' he told The Straits Times. Gan also called on businesses to review their supply chains to ensure responsible sourcing. Wainwright said the best approach was to avoid fish maw altogether if the species, country of origin or sustainability could not be verified. 'The hope is, as more people become aware of the damage caused by unsustainable fishing, they may turn away from products of unknown origin and towards seafood from sustainable fisheries. 'Otherwise, when a species targeted for fish maw gets fished out, it's very likely we'll turn to another species and fish that one out, and then do the same for the next ones,' he added.


Malay Mail
7 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Malaysian hiker survives 200m fall on Mount Rinjani trail in Lombok, suffers fractured hip and head wound
KUALA LUMPUR, June 28 — A Malaysian hiker has become the latest victim of an accident on Indonesia's Mount Rinjani in Lombok, after reportedly falling en route to Segara Anak Lake yesterday. According to Sinar Harian, the victim sustained serious injuries, including a fractured hip and head wounds, after falling approximately 200m before reaching a bridge leading to the scenic crater lake. Mount Rinjani National Park (BTNGR) chief Yarman confirmed the incident, which occurred around 2.20pm local time, and said a rescue operation was launched immediately after the authorities were alerted. 'Initial reports indicated the victim was still able to walk slowly despite injuries to the legs and head,' he reportedly said. 'Our team was deployed to the site to provide first aid and carry out the rescue.' He said standard safety procedures were followed, with on-site treatment administered before the victim was moved to the nearest base. If further medical care is required, the hiker will be referred to facilities such as Bhayangkara Hospital in Mataram or the Sembalun Community Health Centre (Puskesmas), he added. Yarman also reminded hikers not to underestimate the challenges of climbing Rinjani. 'The terrain is demanding. Hikers must be cautious, avoid pushing themselves when exhausted, and rest or seek help when needed,' he added. This is the second reported incident involving a foreigner on the volcano in a week. On June 21, Brazilian climber Juliana Marins, 27, died after falling while ascending to the summit, raising concerns over trail safety.


New Straits Times
a day ago
- New Straits Times
Medical Act amendments a milestone for specialist training, says MMA
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has expressed its support for the government's amendments to the Medical Act, which are set to take effect on July 1, describing them as both timely and decisive. The amendments aim to address issues related to the Parallel Pathway programmes and to streamline the recognition of specialist qualifications and training. MMA president Datuk Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira said the amendments mark a significant milestone that will bring greater structure, transparency and legal clarity to the implementation of both the Parallel Pathway and local Master's programmes. "We wish to record our appreciation to the Health Minister and the Health Ministry for their firm commitment to strengthening the framework for specialist medical training in the country. "We also thank the MOH's Medical Development Division for their tireless efforts in making this initiative a reality. "The work that has gone into realising these regulatory changes is a testament to their professionalism and dedication," he said in a statement today. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad previously confirmed that the amendment has been signed and will be resubmitted to the Attorney-General's Chambers (A-GC) for the gazettement process. Dr Kalwinder said the move reflects the urgent need to expand access to high-quality specialist training to meet the increasing demands of the healthcare system, while upholding patient safety and maintaining the highest standards of medical practice. "The MMA looks forward to continued engagement with the ministry and all relevant stakeholders to ensure that the implementation of these amendments is smooth, fair and in the best interests of both the healthcare system and the public."