KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 27 — The Health Ministry (MOH) will roll out a new-generation drug, semaglutide, to support patients with diabetes and obesity from vulnerable groups under Budget 2026, as part of efforts to enhance treatment for non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Its minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the move comes after continuous evaluations of the MOH Medicines Formulary, which is regularly updated by a panel of experts to ensure that all medicines are safe, effective, and cost-efficient.
“In the budget, we are also introducing newer medicines such as semaglutide, specifically for vulnerable groups who face health challenges related to diabetes and obesity,” he said during a question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Dr Dzulkefly was responding to Kuala Pilah MP Datuk Adnan Abu Hassan's supplementary query on the ministry’s efforts to review the National Formulary, ensuring that essential medicines for chronic diseases such as diabetes are subsidised, thereby making quality treatment accessible to all, regardless of financial means.
He added that generic medicines approved by the MOH are on par with branded medicines in terms of efficacy and safety, having undergone rigorous bioequivalence testing and pharmacoeconomic assessments.
In response to Adnan’s original question regarding the MOH's initiatives to reduce the burden of NCDs through an integrated approach, Dr Dzulkefly said that over 1.36 million adults aged 18 and above nationwide have undergone health screenings under the National Health Screening Initiative (NHSI) and the PeKa B40 Health Care Scheme as of September, as an early detection measure for NCDs.
The ministry is also enhancing primary care services, including virtual consultations, with 163,975 sessions recorded as of July.
Regarding lifestyle changes, Dr Dzulkefly noted that the MOH is expanding the use of behavioural insights and nudging strategies in public health campaigns to promote healthier lifestyles effectively and sustainably.
“Among the key initiatives to combat the four major diseases, namely diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and obesity, is the Perang Atas Gula Campaign (reduce sugar intake) through the introduction of NutriHub.
"This initiative establishes healthy eating awareness corners in supermarkets to guide consumers in making informed, healthier choices. The second initiative is the Malaysian Healthy Plate, ‘suku-suku separuh’ (quarter-quarter-half), a long-standing programme that is continually being updated.
"In addition, the MOH welcomes Budget 2026’s introduction of higher excise duties on cigarettes and alcoholic beverages, effective November 1, 2025, as a measure to support the nation’s efforts in preventing NCDs,” he said.
