PUTRAJAYA, 27 October 2026 (The Capital Post) – The Ministry of Health (MOH) is strengthening Malaysia’s public health system through artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics and community-based healthcare to improve disease prevention and preparedness against emerging health threats.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad emphasised the need for a more proactive approach when officiating the 2026 Public Health Programme Excellence and Quality Awards and an address to District Health Officers at Putra Hall, Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC), recently.
He said the effectiveness of the national healthcare system depended not only on treating patients but also on protecting communities from diseases.
Dzulkefly highlighted the importance of preparing for potential emerging threats, including Disease X, by adopting big data analytics, machine learning and AI to strengthen early detection, risk assessment and targeted health interventions.
He also called for a shift from disease-based to risk-based healthcare, with greater emphasis on community-centred services rather than hospital-focused approaches.
District Health Officers were identified as key personnel in implementing national health strategies, including disease surveillance, healthy nutrition advocacy and mental health awareness.
The ceremony also recognised outstanding projects in public health quality, innovation and digitalisation.
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Among the award recipients was a Terengganu project addressing Paederus fuscipes, commonly known as the Charlie ant, in boarding schools in Besut, which secured first place in the community engagement quality category.
The MINDCARE project from Klinik Kesihatan Sultan Ismail, Johor Bahru, won first place in the healthcare facility quality category for improving comprehensive mental healthcare.
Other first-place recipients included Perak’s Bawa Balik For You (BB4U) project in healthcare facility innovation, SIKK PLUS in technology and digitalisation quality, and Selangor’s AURA BIN project in technology and digitalisation innovation.
The Selangor State Health Department also secured first place in the TikTok Video Competition, recognising creative approaches to public health communication.
According to a post on the official Facebook page of Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia, the ministry remains committed to strengthening disease prevention, healthcare innovation and community-based services to improve public health outcomes – The Capital Post
