PETALING JAYA: A national strategic buffer stock will be established to ensure a sufficient supply of medicines and medical devices amid the global energy crisis triggered by the conflict in the Middle East, said Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir (pic).
The Economy Minister said the initiative was among the more robust measures for the medium and long term, in addition to transitioning from the use of raw resin materials to polymers for certain products.
“The global energy crisis affects not only oil and logistics but also the supply of medicines and medical devices. Disruptions to the global supply chain can cause shortages of essential raw materials, such as active pharmaceutical ingredients, petroleum and ethylene oxide gas, thereby raising manufacturing and delivery costs,” he said at the global energy crisis briefing broadcast live on television and social media.
Akmal Nasrullah said these were among matters discussed at the National Economic Action Council meeting yesterday.
The government, he said, has outlined several short-term measures to safeguard the country’s supply of medicines and medical needs.
These include centralising the monitoring of medicine stocks to ensure better oversight, diversifying import sources to reduce reliance on any single supplier and activating emergency response plans to address potential disruptions swiftly.
Certain items will also be designated as controlled goods to help manage supply more effectively, while a Special Access Pathway will be implemented to ensure continued access to critical and life-saving medicines.
In the medium to long term, the government is exploring more robust structural measures to bolster resilience, he said.
This involves the establishment of a national strategic buffer stock to enhance preparedness for future shocks, as well as the transition from resin-based materials to polymers for specific products, aiming to improve supply stability.
Efforts are also underway to develop a national medicine security policy through MyMedSecure, alongside initiatives to strengthen the local pharmaceutical and medical device industry.
At the same time, the initiative is aimed at reducing dependence on imports and building greater self-sufficiency, he explained.
In an uncertain global environment, he said the government will continue to act in a structured and comprehensive manner to ensure the people are protected, the country’s strategic supplies remain secure and Malaysia’s economy remains resilient.
“Our focus is not merely to monitor the crisis. Our focus is to manage its impact, reduce its risks and ensure the people can navigate through this challenging period as best as possible,” said the minister.
