VOICES
ANIMAL HEALTH
KPKM Wants Livestock Units At Oil Palm Plantations To Boost Beef Supply
KPKM urges oil palm plantation companies to integrate cattle farming to boost local beef supply and raise Malaysia’s meat self-sufficiency ratio from 17% to 50% by 2030. Existing ruminant programmes include satellite farms, feedlots, and breeder projects.
Government Plans Mandatory Dog Microchipping Before Local Council Licensing
The government plans to require pet dogs to be microchipped before local councils issue licences, with a pilot project to test feasibility. DVS currently encourages – but does not mandate – microchipping for pet dogs and cats before vaccination.
MALAYSIA
MPS Foundation Offers 2026 Research Grants To Malaysian Health Researchers
MPS Foundation invites Malaysian health researchers to apply for its 2026 grant programme for projects on workforce well-being, patient safety, and innovation. Grants of up to RM1.06 million are available, with smaller studies also supported.
Health And Higher Education Ministries Mull New Body To Harmonise Specialist Training
MOH and MOHE are mulling a new body to harmonise specialist medical training. Dr Dzul says 18 specialists have been registered under the amended Medical Act: 13 in pathology (medical genetics) and five from the cardiothoracic surgery parallel pathway.
WORLD
Foodborne Disease Costs Singapore $80m Annually: Study
A new study has found that foodborne disease (FBD) costs Singapore SG$80m annually in economic burden (direct and indirect costs). Non-typhoidal Salmonella contributed the highest cost from known pathogens at SG$8m. Unspecified gastroenteritis cost SG$65m.
Child Suicide Exposes Indonesia’s Mental Health Gap
Indonesia is seeing rising signs of suicidality among children as school pressure, economic stress and limited mental‑health support strain young lives.
