KOTA KINABALU: While no haze-related deaths have been reported, the public – especially vulnerable groups like children, the elderly and those with comorbidities – must not underestimate the health risks, says Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
The Health Minister said the ministry will continue monitoring public health and the haze situation to ensure risks are managed appropriately.
“Preventive measures, like wearing masks and limiting exposure, remain important,” he told reporters at the launching of the Kembara TOBaTS 2026 (Reject Unregistered Drugs) by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
The minister said while the haze situation in Sabah has not reached a level requiring drastic action, vigilance and adherence to health standard operating procedures were necessary.
On another matter, Dzulkefly said the ministry will begin placing resident specialists in several hospitals in Sabah, including Kota Marudu and Beaufort, as a measure to overcome the shortage of specialists in the state.
“Our three to five-year target is to bridge the expertise gap in Sabah through the empowerment of the Sandakan and Tawau Clusters to the same level as Kota Kinabalu, including cardiothoracic services,” he said.
Sabahans who are graduates of the Health Ministry’s Training Institute are now being absorbed permanently through the autonomous authority of employment.
Immediate action to upgrade staff quarters in Lahad Datu, Beaufort and Kota Marudu will also be implemented through strategic collaboration between the federal and state governments, he added.
Dzulkefly said the ministry has also expanded the Hospital Services Outsourcing Programme initiative to the private sector to address congestion in public hospital lobbies and wards.
The scope, he said, would be expanded to 15 critical services, including dialysis treatment, diagnostic scans and periodic surgical missions to resolve patient backlogs and drastically shorten waiting times.
“This measure is further streamlined through strategic collaboration with Hospital Universiti Malaysia Sabah to fully utilise every medical capacity available in the state,” he said.
Meanwhile, Hajiji called for continuous improvements to the state’s healthcare facilities to ensure the public receives prompt, safe, high-quality, and equitable services.
He said Sabah also wants to see more medical facilities and specialist hospitals developed, including an increase in the number of specialist doctors, so that the people can enjoy more comfortable and effective medical services.
