No haze deaths yet but risks remain

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, September 6, 2026

Malaysia’s Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad urged caution amid the current haze situation in Sabah, particularly for vulnerable groups, while announcing plans to address the shortage of resident specialists by enhancing healthcare services and infrastructure across the state. These efforts include deploying specialists to underserved areas, upgrading staff housing, expanding private sector involvement in hospital services, and collaborating with local universities to improve medical capacity and reduce patient wait times.

KOTA KINABALU — Although no deaths related to the current haze situation have been reported, health authorities emphasize that the public, particularly vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions, should remain cautious. Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, Malaysia’s Health Minister, stressed the importance of preventive measures including wearing masks and limiting outdoor exposure to mitigate health risks.

Speaking at the launch of the Kembara TOBaTS 2026 campaign by Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, Dr Dzulkefly noted that while the haze conditions have not yet escalated to a level warranting drastic government intervention in Sabah, vigilance and adherence to health protocols remain critical.

In parallel with managing the haze situation, the Health Ministry announced plans to address the shortage of resident specialists in Sabah’s hospitals. A key part of the strategy includes deploying specialists to facilities in areas such as Kota Marudu and Beaufort. Over the next three to five years, the ministry aims to narrow the expertise gap across the state by enhancing medical capabilities in the Sandakan and Tawau Clusters to match those available in Kota Kinabalu, with cardiothoracic services among the targeted improvements.

Dr Dzulkefly highlighted that Sabahan graduates of the Health Ministry’s Training Institute are increasingly being integrated into the healthcare workforce on a permanent basis, facilitated through an autonomous employment authority. He also revealed plans to upgrade staff housing in Lahad Datu, Beaufort, and Kota Marudu through coordinated efforts between the federal and state governments.

To alleviate congestion in public hospital lobbies and wards, the ministry has extended its Hospital Services Outsourcing Programme to include private sector participation. This expansion will encompass 15 critical services such as dialysis treatment, diagnostic imaging, and periodic surgical missions aimed at reducing patient backlogs and shortening waiting times. Collaboration with Hospital Universiti Malaysia Sabah will be strengthened to optimize medical resources statewide.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Hajiji Noor called for ongoing enhancements to Sabah’s healthcare infrastructure to ensure prompt, safe, high-quality, and equitable medical services for residents. He underscored the state’s ambition to establish more medical and specialist facilities and to increase the number of specialist doctors, aiming to provide more comfortable and effective care for the population.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.