KUALA LUMPUR, March 28 — The Ministry of Health (MOH) is studying the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve early disease detection and support clinical decision-making in Malaysia’s health care system.
Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad, in a written Dewan Negara reply on March 24, said that several pilot projects conducted by the Malaysian Health Technology Assessment Section (MaHTAS) are underway to assess the role of AI in diagnostic screenings, particularly for cancer, tuberculosis (TB), and diabetic retinopathy.
“MOH recognises the potential of AI in enhancing the efficiency of the health care system, particularly in diagnostic screenings and treatment, especially as we face current human resource challenges,” Dzulkefly said in response to Senator Dr Wan Martina Wan Yusoff’s question on the government’s plan to use AI to assist in certain diagnostic tests or treatments to address the shortage of medical professionals in certain specialities.
Among the initiatives is the use of AI in lung cancer screenings, which has shown potential in increasing detection accuracy and reducing false positives, especially among junior radiologists. “AI has the potential to serve as a ‘second pair of eyes’ in detecting lung nodules earlier and more accurately,” Dzulkefly said.
AI-assisted lung nodule detection is currently being tested at the National Cancer Institute (IKN) and will be expanded to Cyberjaya Hospital; Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin Hospital in Kajang, Selangor; and Putrajaya Hospital.
AI is also being evaluated for breast cancer screenings via mammograms and cervical cancer detection through medical imaging. However, MOH said more research is needed to determine the effectiveness of AI in these areas.
“While initial findings are promising, we need further studies to ensure AI can be an effective supplementary tool in diagnosis,” Dzulkefly added.
For tuberculosis, AI is being integrated into chest X-ray screenings and mobile ultrasound applications to assist in early detection.
The ministry has also launched a new AI-powered system called DR.MATA to detect and diagnose diabetic retinopathy, a complication that can lead to blindness if left untreated. “Early detection through AI-driven solutions like DR.MATA can significantly improve access to timely treatment and health outcomes,” Dzulkefly noted.
In addition to diagnostics, MOH is collaborating with local health tech firms to develop an AI-powered platform called AskCPG.
This tool will provide real-time access to clinical practice guidelines (CPG) for medical practitioners, helping to standardise treatments and improve adherence to best practices.
“By making evidence-based treatment recommendations readily available, we aim to reduce variability in care and strengthen clinical interventions,” Dzulkefly said.
Despite its potential, Dzulkefly noted that AI adoption requires careful evaluation, including considerations for patient safety, medical compliance, and ethical concerns.
“The integration of AI in health care requires thorough study, including its effectiveness, patient safety, compliance with medical standards, and the strengthening of legal and ethical frameworks,” Dzulkefly said.
“MOH will continue working with experts in technology, academia, and the private sector to ensure that the development and implementation of AI in the health care system align with public needs and are grounded in humanitarian principles and patient safety,” he added.
MOH reiterated that AI will serve as a support tool, rather than replace health care professionals in making clinical decisions and delivering treatment.
“AI will complement, not replace, our medical professionals. The human element in health care remains irreplaceable,” Dzulkefly said.
