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THE Health Ministry is keeping a close watch on the potential impact of new tariffs imposed by the United States, particularly those that could affect the supply of medical devices and pharmaceutical products, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said on Saturday.
Speaking at the launch of the 2025 MADANI Afiat Programme in Tunjong, Kelantan, Dr Dzulkefly said that while former US President Donald Trump had previously suggested that pharmaceutical products might be exempt from the tariff list, recent developments cast doubt on that commitment.
“Some of the announced tariffs remain unclear, and with Trump’s unpredictability, we must remain vigilant. It is crucial for me, as the Minister of Health, to stay attentive to these two matters,” he said in response to media questions about Malaysia’s healthcare supply chain resilience.
Dr Dzulkefly added that the ministry was making early preparations to explore alternative markets and sources to ensure the country’s healthcare supply remains uninterrupted.
Trump's proposed 24 per cent tariff on Malaysian goods, announced on April 2, has been postponed for 90 days, but concerns over longer-term effects remain.
Separately, Dr Dzulkefly addressed the upcoming vape product sales ban in Terengganu, effective August 1, and reiterated the federal government’s intent to strictly regulate smoking products through the newly gazetted Smoking Products Control for Public Health Act 2024.
“This act will serve as a strong foundation for regulating all aspects related to smoking products, including their registration, sales, advertising, and nicotine content,” he said.
He noted that while federal legislation will handle broader regulatory measures, state governments play a vital role through their authority to issue or deny business licences for the sale of such products.
“We see this collaboration with state governments as a positive step towards safeguarding public health,” he said.
ETAP Resolved By June
On the issue of the On-Call Duty Allowance (ETAP) for healthcare workers, Dr Dzulkefly said a resolution is expected by June, with discussions currently in the final stages.
“A committee chaired by Tan Sri Dr Abu Bakar Sulaiman is actively discussing the matter, and we hope a decision can be reached soon. I hope this matter can be concluded in May because I know they are working very hard. God willing, this time we will resolve the matter,” he said.
ETAP compensates medical officers for responsibilities carried out during on-call hospital shifts beyond normal working hours. The increase was previously approved, but implementation is pending final negotiations. - April 26, 2025