SHAH ALAM, Sept 1 — The digital efficiency initiative for the public healthcare sector announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Sunday could help shorten waiting times at government healthcare facilities.
State executive councillor for public health and environment Jamaliah Jamaluddin said the initiative is crucial to reducing congestion at public clinics and hospitals, particularly in Selangor.
“It is very important because the allocation will enable us to accelerate the digitalisation of public healthcare, shorten waiting times and assist patients in need, especially those in emergency departments.
“This issue is frequently raised through our feedback channels. This means the prime minister is aware of the issue.
“I thank him, and I hope the allocation can help us improve and shorten waiting times,” she told Media Selangor.
On Sunday, in conjunction with the 69th National Day celebrations, Anwar announced six initiatives at the 2026 National Day Prime Minister’s Address at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC) to be implemented immediately.
Among the key initiatives is an allocation of RM1 billion to strengthen digital efficiency in the public healthcare sector, including the implementation of Electronic Medical Records (EMR) and Internet connectivity at 150 hospitals and more than 2,000 public health clinics.
Other measures include restoring the BUDI95 monthly basic eligibility from 200 to 300 litres; increasing the 2027 maintenance allocation for all types of schools by 50 per cent from RM1 billion to RM1.5 billion; and opening the AI for the People programme to Malaysians aged 18 to 30.
The government will also raise the e-Invoice exemption threshold from RM1 million to RM3 million in annual turnover, provide an additional RM1 billion in microfinancing facilities, and introduce the RM200 million Geran Sejahtera Madani.
