SINGAPORE, May 21 — Singapore has pledged US$12 million (US$1=RM3.97) contribution over four years to the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), in support of global pandemic preparedness, said the Health Ministry (MOH).

In a statement, MOH said the contribution was announced by Health Minister Ong Ye Kung during a CEPI side event at the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland.

The commitment reaffirmed the importance of partnership in advancing global health as vaccines are a critical line of defence against infectious disease outbreaks and pandemics.

“As a partner of CEPI since 2020, Singapore’s continued contribution supports global efforts to develop and deploy vaccines rapidly and equitably against future threats.

“Singapore’s latest contribution will be over 2027 to 2030 and is a continuation of our earlier contribution to CEPI,” said the ministry on Tuesday.

According to Ong, Singapore has invested steadily in vaccine research and development and also manufacturing capability and capacity.

“Our partnership with CEPI has deepened our own capabilities, including in scientific advisory engagement, regulatory preparedness, research and development and manufacturing collaboration, while allowing us to continue to contribute meaningfully to this broader global effort,” he added. — Bernama

PUTRAJAYA, May 20 — AirBorneo may submit applications to provide flight services for the Kuching-Sibu, Kuching-Miri and Kuching-Bintulu routes on a commercial basis as the routes are not categorised as Rural Air Services (RAS).

The Transport Ministry said such routes were intercity flights based on a RAS review by the Malaysian Aviation Commission in 2017, because the routes no longer fulfilled the definition of Public Service Obligations (PSO) as they were jointly operated by MASwings with AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines or both.

“Therefore, flights on these routes should not receive subsidies as they involve two cities, similar to any inter-city flight in Peninsular Malaysia.

“The change in status of these routes to commercial routes will further encourage the participation of local airlines to operate and subsequently provide air travellers in rural Sabah and Sarawak with more flight options,” the ministry said in a statement today.

The ministry is seeking to clarify issues raised at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly regarding the absence of AirBorneo flight services for the Kuching-Sibu, Kuching-Miri and Kuching-Bintulu routes, which were allegedly linked to an agreement signed by the Federal Government in 2019.

The Sarawak state government took over MASWings through AirBorneo, effective January 1. — Bernama

KUCHING, May 20 — Sarawak is projecting a revenue of RM13.04 billion to be collected this year, said Sarawak Deputy Premier and Second Minister for Finance and New Economy Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.

Uggah said that as of April, RM3.86 billion, or 29.6 per cent of the projected amount, has been collected.

“The RM3.86 billion collected came from several major sources, which, among others, include RM1.58 billion from state sales tax, cash compensation in lieu of oil and gas rights (RM1.10 billion) and dividends of RM545 million,” he said when winding up the ministry’s debate on the motion of thanks to the Yang Dipertua Negeri at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly here today.

Uggah said given the prevailing economic headwinds and geopolitical uncertainties affecting global oil and gas markets, the state government foresee an impact on this year’s revenue projection.

“Even so, the government is committed to strengthening resilience through prudent fiscal management and targeted initiatives to support the rakyat and the economy,” he said.

Meanwhile, he said that as of April this year, RM3.72 billion, or 29 per cent of the approved ordinary expenditure, has been expended, while RM2.16 billion, or 23 per cent, has been expended for development expenditure.

“As programme and project implementation progresses, expenditures are anticipated to increase in the latter half of the year.

“In this regard, controlling officers and heads of departments must continue to demonstrate unwavering commitment to delivery, proactively addressing any implementation issues and exercising prudent financial management, so that all initiatives are realised within the resources available,” he added. — Bernama 

KUALA LUMPUR, May 20 — Malaysia has underscored the critical need to ensure unimpeded access to humanitarian assistance amid an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said under the theme “Reshaping Global Health: A Shared Responsibility,” Malaysia calls on all nations to uphold humanitarian principles and respect humanitarian law.

“Protecting health workers, infrastructure, and civilians must transcend political division. Medical and health supply chains must remain open and reliable, particularly during times of crisis.

“When health is politicised, worst still, weaponised, the most vulnerable pay the highest price,” he said in Malaysia’s remarks at the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva.

Dzulkefly is currently in Geneva to attend the assembly, which is being held from May 18 to 23.

He said Malaysia also expressed appreciation for the Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO) ‘s report, highlighting the organisation’s continued efforts to stabilise health systems and bridge global health gaps.

On the domestic front, Dzulkefly said the Madani Health Reforms, a Madani Government initiative, are transforming Malaysia’s healthcare system by expanding community-based care and accelerating digitalisation to ensure quality, people-centred services.

He said the reforms prioritise tackling non-communicable diseases and mental health through a “5S” strategic approach targeting sugar, smoke, salt, stigma, and sedentary lifestyles.

This is supported by the National Blueprint for Behavioural Insights, using evidence-based psychology to refine public health interventions, he said.

“Furthermore, our Lung Health initiative has unified care pathways for tuberculosis, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), and lung cancer. By deploying AI-assisted screening nationwide, we are shifting from “sick-care” to proactive early detection and treatment.

“We invite Member States to emulate this integrated model to achieve tangible national gains,” he added.

In closing, he reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to supporting a WHO that is agile, accountable and future-ready, while strengthening the global health architecture towards a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable future for all. — Bernama 

KUALA LUMPUR, May 19 — More than 20 villagers joined forces to capture a crocodile weighing about 300 kilogrammes in Kota Kinabalu earlier today.

The 3.7-metre reptile was caught near the Sabah State Legislative Assembly area after it was spotted about 100 metres from the shoreline, according to BuletinTV3.

The villagers used three boats and fishing nets in the operation.

However, two earlier attempts failed before they managed to catch the crocodile on the third try.

The crocodile had reportedly been seen surfacing near the Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) beach over the past few weeks, raising concern among residents and visitors.

Meanwhile, Kota Kinabalu Civil Defence Force (APM) officer Capt (PA) Aizex Junior said the District Operations Control Centre received a call at 8.02am.

He said a 10-member team led by Lt (PA) Umi Kifli was deployed to the location to monitor the situation, ensure safety, and assist in the recapture using special equipment.

The crocodile was later taken to the Sulaman Unit Operations Control Centre before being handed over to the Sabah Wildlife Department for further action.

PUTRAJAYA, May 19 — Malaysia has stepped up its efforts to translate the World Health Assembly’s Lung Health Resolution into practical action by pursuing an integrated healthcare approach and forging strong public-private partnerships to improve respiratory health outcomes nationwide.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad said that over the past year, Malaysia has focused on implementing the resolution through two key strategies: strengthening integrated lung health services at the primary care level and operationalising a whole-of-society approach under the Lung Health Initiative Malaysia.

“Together, these two approaches reflect the very heart of the resolution - advancing an integrated lung health approach through a whole-of-society model that mobilises government, healthcare providers, civil society, and the private sectors towards a shared public health goal,” he said.

He said this in a speech for the Lung Health Forum: From Resolution to Action - Government Leadership on Lung Health, to mark the 79th World Health Assembly (WHA79), which was shared by the Ministry of Health (MOH) here today.

Dzulkefly said the first approach focused on integrating health promotion, prevention, screening, early detection and referral pathways into a more person-centred continuum of care within primary healthcare settings.

This approach recognises a simple but critical reality: respiratory diseases often share common risk factors and frequently overlap within the same communities, which makes coordinated service delivery essential rather than fragmented, disease-specific interventions.

The second strategy focuses on strengthening public-private partnerships under the Lung Health Initiative Malaysia, bringing together nine strategic partners, including the National Cancer Society Malaysia, AstraZeneca and IHH Healthcare Malaysia.

“Through these collaborations, efforts in community engagement, awareness, screening, diagnostics, access to care and patient support have been further strengthened,” he added.

A coffee table book titled “A Breath For The Future: Malaysia’s National Lung Health Initiative” was published to mark Malaysia’s progress in advancing integrated lung health from international leadership to national implementation. 

“We are honoured to launch this coffee table book at this event, documenting Malaysia’s journey in advancing integrated lung health and reflecting the whole-of-society approach towards translating the Resolution into meaningful action,” he said.

Dzulkefly said Malaysia had also developed several policy documents, including the Lung Health Initiative Roadmap, National Strategic Plan and Implementation Guideline to operationalise an integrated lung health agenda nationwide.

“By the end of 2026, 902 health clinics are expected to implement the integrated lung health approach, including 65 clinics with occupational health services,” he said.

He added that Malaysia is scaling up AI-assisted chest X-ray screening, including ultra-portable imaging technologies for underserved and hard-to-reach communities.

Workplace screening programmes have also been expanded through the LungShield Programme, a strategic partnership between the National Cancer Society Malaysia and IHH Healthcare Malaysia, focusing on lung cancer screening and early detection among frontline and high-risk occupational groups.

Looking ahead, Dzulkefly said Malaysia believes integrated lung health must be embedded within primary healthcare systems as part of universal health coverage strategies, while strengthening prevention and early detection through tobacco and vaping control, smoking cessation, vaccination and better air quality governance.

“The next phase must focus on sustained implementation, measurable progress and stronger collaboration to improve respiratory health outcomes globally,” he concluded. — Bernama

Manuel Gual posted a photo:

Vintage Meccano Workshop: Mechanical Dreams in Brass and Steel

Description:
A detailed visual collection inspired by classic Meccano engineering, captured inside a warm vintage workshop filled with metal strips, brass gears, pulleys, axles, wheels, tools, blueprints, cranes, bridges, clockwork mechanisms, model vehicles and carefully organized construction parts. The series celebrates the beauty of mechanical imagination, precision assembly, old workshop craftsmanship and the nostalgic charm of hands-on model engineering. Each scene evokes the atmosphere of an inventor’s bench, where miniature machines, structural frames and experimental mechanisms come together like a tribute to industrial design, educational toys and timeless creative tinkering. These images have been generated by Artificial Intelligence.

PUTRAJAYA, May 18 — Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad is in Geneva to lead the country’s delegation at the 79th World Health Assembly (WHA79), which runs from today until May 23.

This marks a significant moment in Malaysia’s health diplomacy, as it seeks to turn domestic reforms into real global influence.

A statement from the Ministry of Health (MOH) today said Malaysia’s presence at this annual gathering of health ministers and policymakers from WHO member states signals a major shift: from earning global recognition to delivering people-centred health changes that actually benefit the public.

The key highlight will be Malaysia’s Country Statement, scheduled for delivery tomorrow (May 19). The nation is expected to strongly advocate for people-centred health reforms and unhindered humanitarian assistance worldwide. 

“Malaysia’s intellectual leadership will be showcased through 18 strategic interventions addressing critical issues such as malaria elimination, mental health, non-communicable diseases (NCD) and the economics of health for all,” the statement read.

MOH said Dzulkefly has also been invited to deliver keynote addresses and lead discussions at six high-level international forums focusing on global lung health, eye health, behavioural sciences, hepatitis and rare diseases.

On the regional front, MOH shared that Malaysia is spearheading a proposed Asean Declaration on Rare Diseases, a move aimed at giving patients, especially children, a real shot at earlier diagnoses and fair access to specialised care.

Back home, the fight against NCDs and the mental health agenda is getting a major boost through the upcoming National Blueprint for Behavioural Sciences, which will power the ‘War on 5S’ campaign, tackling sugar, smoke, salt, stigma and sedentary lifestyles.

Malaysia is also pursuing strategic bilateral talks with Spain, a global “gold standard” for organ donation, to explore adapting its successful model for Malaysian patients. 

“Malaysia will also hold discussions with Singapore, Vietnam and Bangladesh to strengthen regional cooperation in digital health and health security, it said.

Meanwhile, Malaysia’s success in securing affordable access to essential medicines is not going unnoticed. MOH revealed that the country has gained international recognition, with the Medicines Patent Pool selecting Malaysia as a global case study for leadership in the national HIV response.

These milestones, MOH added, reflect a deeper commitment under the Madani framework: to build a healthcare system that is equitable, modern and inclusive for all Malaysians. — Bernama