KUALA LUMPUR, May 4 — The Health Ministry (MOH) is requesting that proposed spending adjustments and budget cuts be re-evaluated to ensure that core public services are not compromised.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has acknowledged the MOH's appeal to prevent the RM3.04 billion in cuts proposed by the Treasury Secretary-General from being implemented as originally planned.
Any assessment regarding budget reductions must take into account essential services and the ministry's human resources.
He has instructed the ministry's Secretary-General and team to submit a counter-proposal immediately.
This includes identifying non-essential areas where cuts could potentially be made, provided they do not involve core services or human resource requirements.
Dr Dzulkefly added that while his preference is for no cuts at all, any necessary reductions must not affect vital services or the welfare of the people, especially medical treatments.
He was speaking at a media conference following a site visit to the Menjalara Health Clinic project today, which was also attended by the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh.
Dr Dzulkefly assured that these spending cuts would not affect critical development projects or the continuity of healthcare facility construction under the ministry.
Regarding the Menjalara Health Clinic, he said the development phase is expected to begin in 2028 with a total cost of RM85.9 million, aiming for completion by January 2032.
Built on a 2.04-acre site, the project is set to benefit approximately 256,000 residents across the Segambut, Batu, and Damansara areas.
The clinic is also expected to alleviate congestion at existing facilities and meet the needs of the Menjalara population, estimated at 110,000.
