CYBERJAYA: Some 10,000 traffic police personnel will undergo early screening for lung diseases due to their high-risk daily exposure to environmental hazards, says Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
The Health Minister said the initiative is part of the newly launched LungShield Programme, a strategic collaboration between IHH Healthcare Bhd, the Health Ministry and police aimed at the early detection and treatment of lung cancer and other respiratory diseases.
"In its early phase, the programme will begin by screening 10,000 traffic police personnel, who are among the groups at higher risk of lung diseases due to occupational and environmental exposure.
"This initiative will subsequently be expanded in phases to other departments within the police," he said during the national-level World No Tobacco Day 2026 celebration at the University of Cyberjaya on Sunday (May 10).
Dr Dzulkefly said the programme utilises AI-assisted chest X-ray screening, radiologist reporting and follow-up diagnostic pathways. It also includes financial protection mechanisms for personnel who face barriers in accessing further medical investigations.
He noted that lung diseases remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Malaysia, with many patients diagnosed at a late stage.
"The lungs are among the most vital organs in the human body, yet they often suffer in silence. Damage may begin quietly, without pain, warning or obvious symptoms.
"By the time many patients experience persistent cough, shortness of breath, chest discomfort or unexplained weight loss, the disease may already have progressed," he said, adding that late diagnosis takes a heavy emotional and financial toll on families.
At the same event, Dr Dzulkefly also warned against the normalisation of vaping and e-cigarettes among youths.
He said the danger of modern tobacco and nicotine products lies in how they are designed, flavoured and promoted to appear harmless and socially acceptable.
"Malaysia's position is clear. We cannot allow addiction to be repackaged as lifestyle. We cannot allow harmful products to be made attractive to young people. And we cannot allow the health of our future generations to be compromised," he said.
He added that enforcement of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) serves as a crucial public health instrument to regulate these products and place the wellbeing of the people above commercial interests.
Urging current smokers and vapers to seek help before it is too late, Dr Dzulkefly highlighted the ministry's cessation services, including a new digital support innovation known as "Cik Era AI".
"Do not wait until breathing becomes difficult. Do not wait until the X-ray shows something worrying. Do not wait until your family pleads with you to change," he added.
At a press conference later, Dr Dzulkefly said the LungShield programme is the first of its kind in Malaysia.
"This is what we want - more corporate entities to help us," he added.
