January-February . 2025 | The HEALTH

This decision follows reports of a disease outbreak detected in Malaysian poultry called Newcastle disease ( ND ), which was reported to the World Organisation for Animal Health ( WOAH ) between March and June of 2024 .

In response , the General Administration of Customs China ( GACC ) submitted a suspension request to the Department of Veterinary Services ( DVS ), which came into effect on Dec 20 , 2024 .

As outlined in the Protocol for the Export of Edible Bird ’ s Nest Products from Malaysia to China , the suspension applies to both clean and unclean raw bird ’ s nest products .

The DVS has verified that the bird ’ s nest products and facilities under their supervision are not affected by ND . Nevertheless , precautionary measures enforced by GACC have significantly impacted

THE Ministry of Health Malaysia ( MOH ) has introduced the MOH Single-Door for Health Industry . Overseen by the Malaysian Health Technology Assessment Section ( MaHTAS ), this initiative is designed to streamline the endto-end implementation of health technologies .

Deputy Minister of Health Dato ’ Lukanisman Awang Sauni , at the I-Nation Global Summit 2024 , highlighted that the initiative is anticipated to enable timely access to state-of-the-art healthcare solutions for the public .

The summit , organised by the Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology and Innovation ( MRANTI ), also saw the launch of Multi Artificial Neural Network Technology Automation ( DR . MATA ).

DR . MATA is an artificial intelligence ( AI ) -powered tool designed to detect and diagnose diabetic retinopathy . As the first technology introduced under the Single-Door initiative , DR . MATA

Malaysian exporters .

As a result , 13 exporting companies have faced delays or clearance issues at China ’ s entry points , affecting a total of 22 shipments . These shipments collectively weigh 1.769 metric tonnes and are valued at RM7,233,302 .

The DVS has been actively engaging with Malaysian bird ’ s nest producers and exporters , keeping them informed about the

represents the transformative potential of AI in healthcare .

Utilising retinal camera images and cloud-based AI technology , DR . MATA delivers results within 48 seconds , a significant improvement over the current four-day processing time .

MOH Deputy Director-General for Research and Technical Support , Datuk Dr Nor Fariza Ngah , shared that the pilot programme for DR . MATA is already underway in approximately 40 government situation while seeking potential solutions . To reassure Chinese authorities , the DVS submitted a report outlining the ND outbreak status in Malaysia , along with the measures enacted to resolve the issue .

Additionally , to facilitate smoother exports of bird ’ s nest products in the future , the DVS is revising the Protocol for the Export of Edible Bird ’ s Nest Products from Malaysia to China .

Lukanisman Awang Sauni

clinics nationwide , with plans for broader implementation in the near future .

MOH is focusing on policies that will support the integration of AI-driven solutions throughout the healthcare sector . Lukanisman also advised health tech practitioners to leverage the MaHTAS website as a platform to help them navigate regulatory pathways and uncover innovation opportunities within Malaysia ’ s healthcare system .

MALAYSIA will be hosting the Association of Southeast Asian Nations ( ASEAN ) Safety and Health W o r k e r s Summit 2025 from Aug 4 to 5 in conjunction with its ASEAN chairmanship for the year . This was announced by Minister of Human Resources of Malaysia Steven Sim Chee Keong ( pic ) during the summit ’ s soft launch .

Organised by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health ( NIOSH ), the summit is themed ‘ Inclusivity and Sustainability for a Resilient Workforce .’ It seeks to facilitate the exchange of best practices , ideas and regional cooperation in occupational safety and health ( OSH ) while serving as a networking platform to strengthen partnerships among participants .

NIOSH Chairman Chong Chieng Jen emphasised the need for proactive measures to address emerging OSH challenges in modern workplaces . He pointed out that workplace hazards now go beyond physical risks , encompassing chemical , biological , economic and psychosocial factors . Issues such as stress and depression , he noted , are becoming more common .

This year , the summit broadens its scope with the introduction of key programmes :

• NIOSHCert International Standards Seminar 2025 ( NISS2025 )

• Asian Occupational Safety and Health Research Institutes ( AOSHRI ) Meeting

• Malaysia Research Initiative for National Agenda ( MaRINA ) 3.0 Workshop

• ASEAN ++ Workshop and Study Visit Each programme addresses different aspects of OSH , ensuring a holistic approach to workforce well-being while promoting regional cooperation .

Keong asserted that workplace safety and health is not just a matter of legal compliance but a fundamental moral responsibility . He referenced amendments to the Occupational Safety and Health Act in 2022 , which increased penalties for non-compliance from RM50,000 to RM500,000 . He reiterated that the goal of these changes is to ensure employees can return home from work healthy and safe .