KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia aims to be a trusted global contributor in clinical research, says the Health Minister.
Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the country must strengthen its research ecosystem and regional collaborations with Asia emerging as a growing hub for global clinical trials.
“Malaysia cannot merely be a recipient or candidate for external innovation, but carve and shape its own unique footprint on the global map of medical discovery,” he said at the opening of the 5th Clinical Research Malaysia Conference 2026 here yesterday.
Dzulkefly said clinical research was not only important for scientific advancement but also as a bridge for patients to gain earlier access to innovative and potentially life-saving treatments.
“We view this not just as a medical necessity but as a moral imperative to ensure equitable access to health innovation,” he said.
Malaysia’s clinical research ecosystem, he added, was now supported by more than 3,200 skilled professionals, with 30% of the principal investigators made researchers.
“This is a clear sign of successful succession planning and strong institutional support,” he said.
Dzulkefly said it was important to strengthen infrastructure, governance and research support systems to ensure Malaysia remained competitive in the growing global clinical trials industry.
He said clinical research was not only improving healthcare outcomes but contributing to economic growth and high-value job creation too.
Meanwhile, the minister said nearly 850 Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia (NUMed) students caught in uncertainty over their UK training pathway could still practise in Malaysia.
He said the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) had confirmed that the NUMed graduates remained recognised under the Medical Act 1971 and that the Second Schedule of the Act would remain unchanged.
“All decisions related to registration, training and professional qualifications are carried out based on the requirements set by MMC.
“The Second Schedule will be maintained with no changes and there is no obstacle for us to train these medical graduates to become doctors,” he told reporters.
The issue arose after Newcastle University acknowledged that medical graduates from its Malaysian campus had been placed on lower priority for training placements in the United Kingdom compared with graduates from UK-based medical schools.
Dzulkefly encouraged students to continue their studies at NUMed, saying it was a recognised medical school approved by MMC.
Health director-general Datuk Dr Mahathar Abd Wahab said the ministry was monitoring developments involving NUMed and discussions were ongoing with relevant parties.
“At the core, the registration of our medical graduates still follows MMC guidelines and regulations,” he said.
On another matter, the ministry acknowledged concerns raised in a recent report by the Malaysian Medical Association regarding house officers allegedly working between 65 and 85 hours weekly.
“New guidelines would soon be issued to strengthen existing regulations on working hours and housemanship training,” he said.
Dr Mahathar said house officers should not be treated merely as “extra pairs of hands” in hospitals.
“In the next few days, there will be another circular to reinforce the implementation of working hour regulations so that they are followed according to the original guidelines,” he added.
