PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will allocate RM1bil to accelerate the digitalisation of public healthcare facilities nationwide.
Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said the allocation would be used specifically to expand internet access, including public WiFi, and roll out the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system at government hospitals and health clinics.
He said the EMR initiative was based on the success of a proof-of-concept project previously implemented at the Padang Besar Health Clinic.
“Doctors there can now access patients’ information without having to refer to physical documents. Everything is done electronically.
“This saves time for those seeking treatment,” Fahmi told reporters after the Prime Minister’s National Day 2026 address here on Sunday (Aug 30).
The move comes after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim ordered the fund to be increased from an earlier RM650mil proposal.
On the rollout, Fahmi said further discussions would be held to speed up implementation and expand the number of healthcare facilities covered.
“At the initial stage, about 15 hospitals are expected to be completed, but I will ask for that number to be increased further.
“Of the 2,000 health clinics, we will also try to increase the number that can be covered this year,” he said.
Fahmi also welcomed a separate initiative announced by Anwar offering free access to artificial intelligence (AI) applications for young Malaysians, saying it could help strengthen their digital skills.
He said 100,000 Malaysians aged between 18 and 30 who take part in the AI Untuk Rakyat programme would qualify for three months’ free access to three AI applications announced by the Prime Minister.
“I believe the Digital Ministry will release the detailed information later,” he said.
The healthcare digitalisation programme and AI initiative are among six immediate measures announced by the government in conjunction with National Day, which are due to take effect from Sept 1.
