Top 5 at 5: Will AI Improve Our Healthcare System?

Malaysia’s healthcare sector is embracing AI to improve efficiency and patient care, with over 50 primary care clinics now using automated patient registration, cutting wait times to under 30 minutes. However, challenges like data interoperability and regulatory gaps persist. Dr. Rachel Gong, Deputy Director of Research at Khazanah Research Institute, weighs in.

• Highway operators to self-fund MLFF system: The multi-lane free flow (MLFF) tolling system was once a point of contention, with highway concessionaires opposing the government's RM3 billion contract plan. Now, they propose funding it themselves at 30% less cost. Will this shift lead to better implementation? Transport consultant Wan Agyl Wan Hassan shares his insights.

• Whistleblowers must report to authorities first – Law and Institutional Reform Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman told Parliament that whistleblowers who go to the media first will not be protected under the law. Wathshlah Naidu, from the Centre for Independent Journalism, and Sudhagaran Stanley, former Deputy CEO of the Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism discuss the implications for press freedom and anti-corruption efforts.

• Lower entry requirements for nursing programs: To address Malaysia’s nurse shortage, the government is easing entry requirements for SPM graduates joining nursing programs. Dr. Siti Khuzaimah Ahmad Sharoni from UiTM’s Centre for Nursing Studies explains what this means for the profession and patient care.

• Popek Popek Parlimen: Parliament returns with debates on Trump’s tariffs on China, Canada, and Mexico, and their indirect impact on Malaysia. MPs also discuss how AI could help improve low-yield paddy farming.

Image Credit: Shutterstock

Presenter: Lee Chwi Lynn, Sharaad Kuttan

Producer: Tee Shiao Eek, Sudais Ferhard, Sneha Harikannan, Alia Zefri

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