KUALA LUMPUR – The Health Ministry (MOH) and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) have entered a strategic collaboration to accelerate the digital transformation of Malaysia’s healthcare system, particularly in rural and remote regions.
Central to the initiative is a pilot programme in Sabah where drones will be deployed to deliver medication from Tawau Health Clinic to two nearby National Information Dissemination Centres (NADI), the MCMC said in a statement.
Sabah was selected due to its extensive 4G and 5G network coverage—currently at 94.4% and 69% respectively—and its challenging terrain, which demands innovative solutions to ensure continuity of care and access to essential medicines.
The collaboration will see the development of future-proof communication infrastructure and the digitalisation of healthcare services in rural clinics through the installation of Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems and computing equipment.
Telehealth kiosks will also be introduced at NADI centres to facilitate virtual consultations with doctors, expanding access to healthcare services for rural populations.
To support this transformation, cloud-based digital systems and virtual consultation platforms will be used to ease follow-up treatments, support remote patient monitoring, and streamline medicine deliveries to hard-to-reach areas.
Cybersecurity measures will also be rolled out across health facilities to protect patient data and digital infrastructure.
The MOH and MCMC also intend to enhance digital health literacy within local communities, equipping the public with the knowledge and confidence to engage safely with digital health services.
Beyond rural outreach, the partnership underpins Malaysia’s broader ambition to establish a comprehensive national digital health ecosystem, including the vision of “1 Individual, 1 Record”, and to strengthen the country’s position in global digital health networks.
A Smart Hospital Innovation Hub will be established, and grants will be provided to facilitate the adoption of EMR systems in more healthcare facilities.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the initiative would help modernise the public healthcare system and ensure greater inclusivity in service delivery.
“MOH warmly welcomes this collaboration as it can strengthen the public healthcare system by offering innovative and people-friendly solutions. It is a meaningful approach to address current healthcare challenges, especially in areas with limited access,” he said.
The project, which will eventually span all 1,099 NADI centres nationwide, is poised to improve health outcomes for underserved communities and bolster Malaysia’s aspiration to emerge as a regional leader in digital health and a global hub for healthcare innovation—aligned with the ideals of the Madani Government. - July 23, 2025
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