12/04/2026

NATIONAL 3 theSun on Sunday APR 12, 2026 Mandatory drug shortage feedback

Move among efforts to lessen impact of medicine supply disruptions, ensuring continuity after crisis subsides: Minister

significant and warehouse space. So, our approach to this is to build on the concept of smart, strategic and being prudent.” Dzulkefly also said reserves would only be deployed under specific conditions such as significant supply disruptions, operational delays and public health emergencies. He added that the current global situation has accelerated Malaysia’s transition from being crisis-driven to becoming a more sustainable, self-reliant regional leader in healthcare manufacturing. He added that the national medicine security policy under MyMedSecure is central to strengthening domestic capabilities, including reducing reliance on imports through local production of active pharmaceutical ingredients and critical finished products. funding

any short-term geopolitical shift,” he said. He added that Malaysia is strengthening buffer stocks through a tiered system, with one to three months’ supply at healthcare facilities and an additional two-month buffer at the concessionaire level, Bernama reported. He added that Malaysia is diversifying import sources for medicines and medical devices to reduce reliance on any single market, while the Medical Device Authority has introduced rapid response mechanisms, including a special access pathway for critical equipment during crises. Dzulkefly said the government is adopting a data-driven approach to stockpiling to minimise wastage, drawing lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic. “Stockpiling requires

when appearing on Bernama TV’s The Nation programme titled “Protecting Medical Supplies in Uncertain Times” on Friday night. Dzulkefly said the move is part of Malaysia’s strategy to mitigate the impact of supply chain disruptions, which may persist even after the West Asian crisis subsides. He added that the Health Ministry is maintaining a forward-looking strategy extending into the first quarter of 2027 to ensure continued resilience in the country’s pharmaceutical logistics. “At the ministry, our perspective is that the actual supply chain crunch often occurs as an after-effect of a crisis, which our simulation suggests could last for at least six months. “So, our preparations are ongoing and independent of

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will make it mandatory for pharmaceutical companies to report potential medicine shortages at least six months in advance beginning July 1, as part of efforts to strengthen readiness against global supply chain disruptions. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the measure, currently voluntary, is part of a broader shift towards proactive risk management to ensure continuity of medical supplies amid global uncertainties. He said industry players have been given until April 15 to provide feedback on the availability of active

pharmaceutical ingredients and packaging materials to enable early intervention before shortages affect healthcare facilities. “Firstly, of course, predictive monitoring and early warning. We have moved away from reactive management to a system of proactive risk anticipation, where the six-month rule (is implemented) through the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency. “We now require product registration holders to report potential medicine shortages or discontinuations at least six months in advance. So that is still very important,” he said

‘ Haj pilgrim safety top priority amid conflict’ SEPANG: The safety of Malaysian haj pilgrims and personnel remains a top priority for the government, particularly in facing any potential risks arising from geopolitical developments in West Asia, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan. He said Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) has established a special committee to monitor current developments and coordinate immediate action in the event of any emergency involving pilgrims. He added that the preparedness measures also include the implementation of comprehensive scenario planning that has been arranged in advance to address various possibilities throughout the haj season. “TH has already set up a special committee and we are monitoring the situation from time to time,” he said after a send-off ceremony for a haj personnel team yesterday. Zulkifli added that the government is confident in the capability and experience of TH machinery in managing haj operations, and is able to ensure the welfare of 31,600 Malaysian pilgrims is protected at all times. – Bernama Unifil mission review pending UN decision KOTA TINGGI: Malaysia is waiting for a United Nations (UN) decision on whether to review the terms of its peacekeeping team deployment with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil). Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said ongoing clashes between Israel and Hezbollah have altered conditions in Lebanon, prompting a review of the peacekeeping mission terms. “When we sent our troops to Unifil, it was to keep the peace between warring sides and halt the fighting. But now, things have changed, with them battling each other,” he said after an event to release giant freshwater prawn fry in Kampung Gembut here yesterday. – Bernama

Building material price variation plan to be tabled SHAH ALAM: A proposal to activate the Variation of Price (VOP) clause for construction materials will be submitted to the Finance Ministry and the Economy Ministry soon, following the global energy crisis. “I would like to inform that the authority to approve this lies with the Finance Ministry, with reference to the Economy Ministry. We are (only) conveying the request from contractor associations to activate the VOP,” he said when met after the Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Sports Awards event at Dewan Agung Tuanku Canselor in UiTM Shah Alam on Friday. allowed, as it violates contract conditions. “However, there have been requests for a slowdown until diesel prices, for example, become more stable. A slight slowdown may be possible, but stop work is not permitted,” he said. Ahmad Maslan said in facing the impact of the crisis, the government would not allow any ‘stop work’ implementations by industry players. – MASRY CHE ANI/THESUN

find a mutually agreed solution.” The ministry said the mediation services, provided free of charge and conducted without involving legal litigation processes, make them more accessible and people-friendly. Among the issues handled are parking disputes, noise disturbances, neighbour disagreements, family conflicts, environmental issues, as well as various daily matters that could affect community harmony. – Bernama On Thursday, the media reported that Malay Contractors Association of Malaysia president Datuk Mohd Rosdi Ab Aziz had urged the government to take immediate steps, including reactivating the VOP for construction materials, to help contractors facing rising costs due to the global energy crisis. Mohd Rosdi said the measure, which had been implemented during previous crises, including the Covid-19 pandemic, had proven effective in helping contractors manage rising costs.

Works Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Maslan said the proposal stemmed from discussions with contractor associations last week, which reported an increase in construction material costs of between 20% and 30%, although the matter still required further study before any decision could be made. “We hope for a study to be conducted using data from the Statistics Department so that the increase in construction material prices can be accurately determined.

Ahmad also stressed that in facing the impact of the crisis, the government would not allow any “stop work” implementations by industry players, Bernama reported. “In the same meeting, they also requested an extension of time for certain projects due to price increases. I’d also like to inform that no stop work will be

147 unity-related cases resolved via mediation in 2025 PUTRAJAYA: The National Unity Ministry resolved 147 cases that sparked tensions within communities through a mediation approach last year, demonstrating the effectiveness of the method in managing unity-related issues harmoniously. approaches based on dialogue, mutual understanding and compromise can produce more sustainable solutions that are acceptable to all parties,” it said.

It added that mediation is an alternative method of managing disputes or disagreements between two parties with the assistance of a neutral third party, namely a mediator. “The role of the mediator is to facilitate discussions, help both parties reach mutual understanding and subsequently

The ministry said in a statement yesterday the mediation approach emphasises peaceful resolution without relying entirely on punitive measures. “This is because not all conflicts require resolution through legal action. Instead,