Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Health (MOH) is urging a review of the proposed budget cuts to ensure that essential public health services remain unaffected. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad confirmed that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has acknowledged the ministry's request to reconsider the proposed RM3.04 billion cuts suggested by the Secretary-General of the Treasury.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dzulkefly emphasized that any budget assessments must prioritize essential services and the ministry's human resources. He has directed his Secretary-General and team to promptly present a counter-proposal, focusing on identifying non-essential areas where cuts might be feasible, provided that they do not compromise core services or human resource needs.

Dzulkefly expressed a preference for avoiding cuts altogether but stressed that if reductions are necessary, they should not affect vital services or the welfare of the public, particularly concerning necessary medical treatments. These remarks were made during a press conference following a site visit to the Menjalara Health Clinic project, attended by the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories), Hannah Yeoh.

The Health Minister assured that critical development projects and the continuity of healthcare facility construction under the ministry would remain unaffected by the spending cuts. Regarding the Menjalara Health Clinic, Dzulkefly announced that the development phase is slated to begin in 2028 with a budget of RM85.9 million, aiming for completion by January 2032. The 2.04-acre project is expected to serve approximately 256,000 residents in Segambut, Batu, and Damansara, easing congestion at existing facilities and catering to the needs of the estimated 110,000 Menjalara population.