Melaka: The Melaka state government has announced an increase in its allocation for free cancer screenings to RM850,000 this year as part of the MBio Sihat Programme. This marks an increase from the RM700,000 annually allocated for 2024 and 2025.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, State Health, Human Resources and Unity Committee chairman Datuk Ngwe Hee Sem stated that the screenings are conducted through Melaka Bioteknologi Corporation, utilizing blood tests to detect early-stage cancer markers, including those for liver, colon, ovarian, and prostate cancers. "This year, an estimated 8,500 individuals will be able to undergo free cancer screening, which costs RM100 per person. The quota for this year is nearly full," he noted.

The screenings are available to Melaka residents aged 40 and above, with a high public response indicating significant awareness of early cancer detection. The screenings have been part of outreach initiatives like the Wakil Rakyat Untuk Rakyat programme and other health campaigns since last year. At events like last year's Oh My Health programme, approximately 400 participants underwent cancer screening.

On another note, Ngwe highlighted Melaka's successful blood collection efforts, with between 29,000 and 30,000 bags collected annually to ensure a stable supply for patient needs. The state conducts 300 to 400 blood donation drives each year, through mobile campaigns or at the Melaka Hospital Blood Donation Centre. "Melaka ranks second best in Malaysia in terms of blood supply, actively running donation programmes and collecting about 82 bags of blood per day," he added. The collected blood supports patients not only in Melaka but also in other states, including Sabah and Sarawak.