The HEALTH | January-February . 2025

The signing was witnessed by Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong . Six memoranda of understanding ( MOUs ) and a letter of intent were signed at the ceremony .

These agreements signal substantial investments across key sectors , with healthcare as a key component . State Health and Environment Committee Chairman Ling Tian Soon asserted that participation from foreign investors will enhance the local health infrastructure .

According to Ling , multiple stakeholders have shown interest in investing in new health facilities , such as hospitals and pharmacies within the JS-SEZ zone . This influx of investment will not only enhance the state ’ s healthcare standards but also position Johor as a leading destination for medical tourism .

Ling , accompanied by the State

PRINCE Court Medical Centre has made history as the first hospital in Malaysia to successfully perform the Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty ( ESG ) procedure . This achievement represents a breakthrough in non-surgical weight loss solutions .

The procedure was carried out by a team of specialists , including Consultant Gastroenterologists Datuk Dr Ryan Ponnudurai and Dr Mandeep Singh Awtar Singh , alongside General and Bariatric Surgeons Datuk Dr Tikfu Gee and Dr Lim Shu Yu .

Dr Ryan underlined how ESG offers a less invasive alternative to traditional surgeries . It eliminates the need for external incisions , which results in faster recovery and reduced pain . For instance , the 29-year-old patient who underwent the procedure reportedly resumed her daily activities the following day , experiencing only mild bloating .

The success of the procedure

Ling Tian Soon

Investment , Trade , Consumer Affairs and Human Resources Committee Chairman Lee Ting Han , embarked on a trade mission to China , South Korea , Japan , the United Arab Emirates ( UAE ),

underscores the hospital ’ s commitment to providing highquality patient care . With ESG included in its offerings , healthcare providers are better equipped and Qatar . The mission garnered interest from several investors who recognised the potential of the JS-SEZ as a key investment destination .

Ling further emphasised the state government ’ s focus on advancing both public and private healthcare investments . While foreign investors are set to establish private hospitals , the state and federal governments plan to focus on expanding public healthcare infrastructure . This includes constructing two new hospitals : Hospital Pasir Gudang and Hospital Sultan Aminah 2 .

to offer treatments that cater to individual needs .

“ There ’ s no one-size-fits-all solution for weight loss , and ESG is an excellent option among the many treatments available ,” remarked Dr Lim .

By integrating cutting-edge technologies and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration , Prince Court is setting new benchmarks in Malaysia ’ s healthcare .

THE Ministry of Health ( MOH ) is deliberating the implementation of the Staggered Working Hours ( WBB ) system . While its primary objective is to improve the working conditions of healthcare workers , concerns have been raised regarding its potential impact on the Malaysian public healthcare system , given that 70 per cent of the population depends on public healthcare services .

The Malaysian Medical Association ( MMA ) President , Dato ' Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira ( pic ), has stressed the issue of labour shortages as a key challenge in managing current workloads .

Medical officers currently endure demanding schedules , often working up to 99 hours per week due to the current three on-call sessions .

With the implementation of the WBB system , the total weekly work hours for public healthcare workers are reduced to 72 hours . This means a maximum of 18 hours per on-call session compared to the current 24 to 33-hour shifts .

Set to pilot in seven hospitals starting Feb 1 , Dr Kalwinder has urged the Medical Advisory and Action Committee to reassess the feasibility of the system .

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad has clarified that the WBB system is intended to work alongside the existing on-call and shift systems . Nevertheless , Dr Kalwinder raised concerns about the financial implications for public medical officers ( MOs ) and specialists .

There will be no on-call allowances for work beyond 5 pm on weekdays under the WBB system . Plus , with overnight shifts included within the 45-hour workweek , healthcare workers will not receive any additional compensation or allowances for those hours .

He also expressed dissatisfaction over the delayed implementation of a promised increase in on-call allowances , which was announced in the 2025 budget .

With the ongoing labour shortage in Malaysia ’ s public healthcare sector , some facilities may not be able to adopt the WBB system . This could mean no improvements to the current working conditions . Potential challenges , such as workforce shortages , need to be carefully addressed to ensure the WBB system is effectively rolled out .