Langkawi, 6 July 2026 (The Capital Post) – Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad concluded his working visit to Langkawi with a visit to the Pulau Tuba Health Clinic, where he officiated the clinic’s Emergency Birthing Unit (EBU), aimed at enhancing maternal healthcare services for island communities.
Upon his arrival, the minister was welcomed by Family Medicine Specialist Dr. Azeanty Ahmad and Medical and Health Officer Dr. Lai Fong Chin. He was briefed on the clinic’s operations and recent developments before touring several service units within the facility.
The EBU strengthens emergency maternal and child healthcare services on Pulau Tuba, complementing the ministry’s existing emergency response system, including the use of sea ambulances for medical evacuations. The facility was rebranded from the Alternative Birthing Centre (ABC) in July 2024 and upgraded with improved infrastructure and medical equipment.
The unit serves as a critical standby facility to provide immediate treatment for pregnant women experiencing obstetric emergencies, particularly when transfers to hospitals are delayed due to adverse weather conditions or rough seas.
Since becoming operational, the EBU has helped streamline referrals for expectant mothers, handling an average of six cases annually. The ministry said the outcome reflects the effectiveness of its risk screening, antenatal monitoring and early referral system implemented by the Pulau Tuba healthcare team.
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Healthcare services on Pulau Tuba have undergone significant transformation since the establishment of a rural clinic in 1942. The facility was upgraded to a health clinic in 2023 and now provides outpatient, emergency, pharmacy, laboratory, and maternal and child healthcare services to more than 5,000 residents on the island.
The ministry said the initiative underscores its commitment to ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare services for communities in remote and island locations, in line with the aspirations of Malaysia MADANI and the Health White Paper.
According to a post on the official Facebook page of KEMENTERIAN KESIHATAN MALAYSIA, the visit also highlighted the ministry’s ongoing efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery in underserved areas through targeted infrastructure and service improvements.- The Capital Post
