Kota Kinabalu: Personal data protection must be taken seriously as digital technology advances to ensure Sabah’s healthcare sector transforms safely and responsibly, said State Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk James Ratib.
He said this in his speech read by Assistant Minister Jordan Jude Ellron at the launch of PDPA Connect Sabah 2026, themed “Towards a Smart and Safe HealthcareData Ecosystem,” at Universiti Malaysia Sabah here.
James said digitalisation is now a strategic necessity in public service delivery, but it must be matched with strong data governance and personal data protection.
“Good technology is not just technology that makes things easier, but technology that can protect the interests of the people,” he said.
He said health data helps practitioners make better decisions, improve hospital operations, support research and guide policy planning.
“Tools such as electronic health records, digital appointments and telehealth services improve efficiency, but also bring new responsibility to handle data carefully,” he said.
James described PDPA Connect Sabah 2026 as a platform that brings together regulators, healthcare institutions, universities and industry players to strengthen understanding of data protection.
“The public will be more confident in using digital services when they believe their data is being handled safely,” he said.
He said Sabah has strong potential to build an inclusive and safe digital health ecosystem, and hoped the event would encourage greater cooperation between the Personal Data Protection Department, the State Government, UMS, Hospital UMS and the healthcare sector.
