KOTA KINABALU: The Ministry of Health (MOH) has secured approval for PET-CT and Cyclotron equipment worth about RM30 million for Hospital Women and Children Sabah, addressing the need for advanced cancer diagnostic and treatment facilities in the State.
Its Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the equipment had been approved under the third rolling plan (RP3) of the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK12), but the project was currently at the procurement coordination and tender stage, with the process being handled by the relevant implementing agency under the Ministry.
“The tender process was expected to progress towards the fourth quarter of this year, after which the successful supplier would be identified,” he told reporters after the 2026 ILKKM Convocation Ceremony, Saturday. The development is particularly significant for Sabah cancer patients who currently have to travel to the peninsula for certain scans, including patients with neuroendocrine conditions who require PET-CT imaging.
Dzulkefly said the RM30 million allocation reflected the Government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare services in Sabah, while the procurement process would now determine the supplier and subsequent implementation of the project.
In regards to mental health issues, he said MOH was working with the Education Ministry through the National Centre of Excellence for Mental Health Challenges (NCEM) to address broader public health challenges.
The centre had been recognised for its efforts in responding to mental health concerns and identifying early trends and symptoms, particularly among adolescents, young people and other vulnerable or high-risk groups.
“Discussions are underway to establish immediate preparedness and fast-response mechanisms so KKM could be mobilised quickly when mental health-related incidents occurred in schools,” he added.
Additionally, he highlighted ongoing initiatives involving the use of drone technology for medicine delivery to hard-to-reach locations in Sabah, aimed at improving the efficiency of medical supply distribution to rural clinics and communities.
“The use of drones is part of our broader effort to ensure that essential medicines can reach patients faster, particularly in areas with challenging geography and limited road access,” he said.
He added that both mental health services and innovative delivery systems such as drone logistics were part of the Ministry’s long-term strategy to modernise healthcare delivery in the State, alongside major infrastructure upgrades like the PET-CT and Cyclotron project.
Dzulkefly also said the Ministry had completed its internal investigation into an incident involving staff welfare and had already taken administrative action, with the director involved transferred from the director’s post to an officer position within the Sabah State Health Department pending further action.
He said the official report from the State Health Department had also been submitted to the Public Service Department (JPA), which has the authority to determine further action involving the officer.
Dzulkefly stressed that the Ministry would not compromise on the safety and welfare of its staff, adding that the affected victim had been provided with full support and treatment and had since returned to work in what he hoped would be a considerably better working environment.
