03/02/2025

MONDAY | FEB 3, 2025

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King opens fourth session of 15th Parliament KUALA LUMPUR: His Majesty the King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim will open the First Meeting of the Fourth Session of the 15th Parliament today. The opening ceremony will begin with the arrival of the King at Parliament Square, with His Majesty inspecting a guard-of-honour mounted by the Royal Malay Regiment Battalion from the Sungai Besi camp.

PAC schedules five new proceedings for Parliament session MALACCA: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has scheduled five new proceedings for the Parliament session, said its chairman Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin. She said one of the proceedings would cover the development of Kuala Lumpur land under the Federal Territories Department, the Director-General of Lands and Mines Department and Kuala Lumpur City Hall. “Additionally, we will review the proposed leasing of electric multiple unit trains under the Transport Ministry, Railway Assets Corporation and Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad. “The management of public airports under the Finance Ministry, Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB), Khazanah Nasional and the Employees Provident Fund will also be examined.” Mas Ermieyati, who is also Bersatu Srikandi chief, was speaking after officiating at the Melaka Bersatu Srikandi Service Centre in Taman Tambak Harmoni on Friday. The Masjid Tanah MP said other proceedings would cover Khazanah Nasional’s domestic investments under the Finance Ministry and the sovereign wealth fund itself. She added that PAC would look into the rising cost of health insurance premiums, private hospital charges and their impact on public healthcare under the Finance Ministry, Health Ministry and Bank Negara Malaysia. She said for the public airport management proceedings, PAC has set terms of reference for its members, addressing all relevant issues, including the delisting of MAHB from Bursa Malaysia, high ticket prices and delays in the resumption of aerotrain services. “This year, PAC aims to table 25 reports and hold over 150 meetings on matters of public interest and the Auditor-General’s Report, compared with 148 meetings and 22 reports last year. “About Khazanah Nasional’s loss-making investments, PAC has scheduled a proceeding on its domestic investments to obtain explanations and statements from the sovereign wealth fund,” she said. – Bernama Additionally, the White Paper on the Ageing Nation Agenda is also expected to be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat, focusing on medium and long term socio-economic development plans as Malaysia approaches ageing nation status in 2030 and aged nation status in 2044. – Bernama (Federal Territories) Bill 2024, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (Amendment) Bill 2024, Malaysian Media Council Bill 2024 and the Bernama (Amendment) Bill 2024.

The debate on the royal address by MPs will run for seven days from Feb 4 and the winding-up by the relevant ministries will be from Feb 19 to 25, with debates on Bills and other government matters taking place over the final six days of the meeting starting from Feb 26. The Dewan Negara is scheduled to sit for 13 days, beginning March 3. Among the key agenda items in this Dewan Rakyat sitting is the tabling for the second reading of several Bills, including the Mufti

Sultan Ibrahim is scheduled to deliver the royal address, with both the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara holding their meetings simultaneously. The royal address is expected to cover various key matters, including national development and Malaysia’s role as Asean chair this year.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, deputy prime ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Cabinet members and heads of foreign delegations are also scheduled to attend the ceremony.

‘AI can transform nation’s healthcare industry’

Malaysia’s healthcare needs. “We should benchmark against countries like the United Kingdom and the United States, which have integrated AI into healthcare ecosystems. However, there is no one-size-fits all approach.” He said Aibig is already conducting notable research that includes using deep learning and machine learning to generate synthetic cancer data, reducing costs and mitigating privacy concerns. He added that Aibig is also developing integrated data platforms for drug discovery and cancer bioinformatics. “Our projects are funded by national and international agencies, reflecting a strong collaborative framework.” Muhammad Akmal emphasised the importance of ethical considerations in deploying AI. “AI bias arises when training data lack diversity, so ensuring diverse, high-quality datasets and focusing on ‘Explainable AI’ is critical for transparent and equitable healthcare solutions.” Sharifa Ezat also highlighted the potential risks of AI adoption in healthcare, including job losses due to automation as well as environmental concerns stemming from the energy-intensive nature of AI systems. “AI governance is crucial. A dedicated governing body is needed to oversee data usage, monitor AI systems and mitigate unintended consequences on healthcare and the environment.” She called for a balanced approach to AI adoption, ensuring that it enhances healthcare outcomes without worsening inequalities or ethical challenges. “With strategic planning and collaboration, Malaysia could harness AI capabilities to create a more efficient and inclusive healthcare system,” she said.

o Leveraging on cutting-edge technology enables predictive analytics, personalised treatment and efficient diagnostics for public health system, say experts

Ű BY DEEPALAKSHMI MANICKAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Muhammad Akmal said collaboration between academia, industry and government could also protect data privacy while overcoming funding limitations and talent shortages. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia public health medicine specialist Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh said AI is playing a key role in public health intervention in more advanced countries through disease surveillance, outbreak response and healthcare systems management. “In Malaysia, AI could assist in personalising treatments, automating administrative tasks and powering advanced tools like robot assisted surgery. “The use of wearable devices, software systems in health clinics and AI tools at general practitioners’ offices can bridge gaps and empower underserved populations, improving overall healthcare delivery. “AI can also leverage computer systems and algorithms to simulate human intelligence, enabling faster and more accurate disease diagnosis, clinical care and drug development.” Muhammad Akmal added that Malaysia is currently in the exploratory stage of AI adoption in healthcare. “Healthcare is one of the most critical sectors globally, alongside education. While AI adoption is a key priority for policymakers, there are substantial challenges in ensuring its acceptance, capturing its full value and mitigating risks.” To accelerate digitalisation, he stressed the importance of a national AI strategy tailored to

PETALING JAYA: Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become the buzzword in everything from retail, e-commerce, banking and financial services to supply chain, logistics, travel and real estate. In Malaysia, it is also set to transform the healthcare industry, with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasising its potential during the Country Strategy Dialogue session at the World Economic Forum Annual Summit 2025 on Jan 21. Anwar highlighted that AI would enhance efficiency, help reduce wastage and enable the government to leverage cutting-edge technology for improving public health. Universiti Malaysia Kelantan Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Big Data (Aibig) director Dr Muhammad Akmal Remli said AI in healthcare involves advanced computing techniques, robust data infrastructure and machine learning algorithms to transform patient care. He said it enables predictive analytics, personalised medicine and efficient diagnostics, all of which are essential for building a proactive and preventive healthcare system. He added that with data from electronic health records and wearables, predictive algorithms can identify early signs of chronic diseases. “They will enable proactive medical interventions and early treatment for patients.”

Border control agency launched SEPANG: The setting up of the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency marks the government’s unwavering robust and integrated border management system. “Various efforts and

initiatives have been pioneered by the government to ensure that Malaysia remains a competitive trading nation with efficient and integrity-driven service delivery at the country’s entry points.” Fadillah was speaking at the agency’s launch at KL International Airport Terminal 1 yesterday. Also present were Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari and IGP Tan Sri Razarudin Hashim. – Bernama

commitment to smooth and efficient border control, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof. He said the agency, launched yesterday, would serve as the sole border control authority. Fadillah added that it brings together expertise and resources from various government agencies, including Immigration and Customs, to streamline operations at the country’s international entry points. “The era of globalisation that lies ahead demands that all parties be more prepared with a

Fadillah, flanked by Saifuddin (left) and Fahmi, during the launch at KL International Airport Terminal 1 in Sepang yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC