Kuala lumpur: The Federal Government has approved RM1.57 billion under the First Rolling Plan of the 13th Malaysia Plan (MP13) to help fulfil commitments under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) for Sabah's health sector. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad announced that the allocation would cover 53 projects, including 46 ongoing and seven new projects, aligning with the ministry's strategic plan to enhance health facilities to meet the needs of Sabahans.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the new initiatives include the RM125 million Sabah Heart Centre and the RM81.95 million Sapulut Type 5 Health Clinic in Nabawan, which will also feature staff quarters. The Health Minister shared these updates with reporters following his co-chairing of the first 2026 Sabah Health Development Joint Action Committee meeting alongside Sabah Women, Health and People's Wellbeing Minister Datuk Julita Majungki.
Ministry of Health (MOH) secretary-general Datuk Seri Hasnol Zam Zam Ahmad was present at the meeting. Addressing staffing and human resources, Dzulkefly stated that 607 new positions were created in Sabah as of August 1 this year. The new posts include 355 in the Management and Professional category, with 77 specialist roles and 203 medical, dental, and pharmacy officers, as well as 252 positions in the Support group to ensure optimal operation of health facilities.
Dzulkefly also revealed that MOH aims to increase the Sabah Health Department's annual allocation by five per cent, expecting total funding to reach RM4 billion by 2030. Discussing MA63-related health sector matters, Dzulkefly mentioned that negotiations through five subcommittees were advancing smoothly, with 33 submitted demands being jointly reviewed to determine further implementation steps.
The MOH and the Sabah Government are committed to comprehensive implementation, with progress monitored through a Balanced Scorecard featuring agreed key performance indicators. Dzulkefly commended the Sabah Government for its transparency and cooperation throughout the MA63 negotiations, emphasizing the joint efforts to ensure successful implementation for the wellbeing of Sabahans.
In the meantime, Dzulkefly reassured that the Federal Government is dedicated to addressing grassroots needs, particularly hospital facilities in Sabah. Following visits to three district hospitals in Sabah, the MOH identified urgent facility requirements and approved nearly RM4.3 million in immediate funding. This includes RM988,000 for Tambunan Hospital to upgrade its Emergency Department, repair the canteen, and procure medical equipment. Ranau Hospital received RM1.279 million for critical facility issues, while Kota Belud Hospital was allocated RM2.01 million for upgrading its Outpatient Unit, improving dental unit equipment, and acquiring a new Mobile X-Ray machine to replace an outdated asset.