Malaysian Health Technology Assessment Section

30/09/2026

TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE (TAC) HORIZON SCANNING MEETING No. 3/2026
📅 30 September 2026
📍 Bilik Mesyuarat Ibnu Sina, Level 1, Block E1, Ministry of Health Malaysia

The final TAC Horizon Scanning meeting for 2026 was successfully held today, chaired by YBrs. Dr. Nor Azham Hakim Darail, Surgical Consultant from Hospital Kuala Lumpur. Nine technologies were presented, and eight were prioritised for further horizon scanning reports:

1) GMRX2 triple combination therapy for hypertension and post‑intracerebral haemorrhage
2) Mim8 Bispecific Antibody Prophylaxis for Haemophilia A (with or without inhibitor)
3️) Asundexian [once‑daily oral Factor XIa (FXIa) inhibitor] for secondary stroke prevention
4️) Pointcheck for monitoring severe neutropenia during chemotherapy
5️) Rusfertide for polycythaemia vera (PCV) and beta‑thalassaemia
6️) Sacituzumab Tirumotecan for EGFR‑TKI‑resistant, EGFR‑mutated advanced NSCLC
7️) Icosema for Type 2 Diabetes
8️) Obexelimab for IgG4‑related disease
9) Bepirovirsen for Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all TAC HS members for their valuable time, insights, and unwavering commitment throughout this year. Your diverse expertise has strengthened Horizon Scanning as Malaysia’s healthcare early warning system, ensuring timely and evidence‑based policy decisions.

As this marks the last TAC HS meeting for 2026, we look forward to reconvening in 2027 with more brilliant ideas and constructive discussions. Until then, thank you and see you next year!

30/09/2026

“Imagine a young child being rushed to the emergency department after a suspected button battery ingestion.”

It is a situation that would understandably make any parent and healthcare professional anxious. With only a small window of time before serious injury can occur, assessment and management need to be swift, coordinated and evidence-based.

To support healthcare professionals managing these potentially life-threatening situations, the CPG Unit, MaHTAS was proud to launch our first paediatric surgery Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG):

Management of Foreign Body Ingestion in Children

We are grateful to YBrs. Dr. Nor Hayati binti Ibrahim, Director of Medical Development Division, for officiating the launch and sharing her encouraging words, as well as Dr. Syaqirah Akmal, Head of MaHTAS for setting the stage for the event.

Alongside the launch, we also held the Training of Core Trainers (TCT), welcoming 121 specialists from across Malaysia mainly from Paediatric Surgery, Paediatric ORL, ED, FMS and other relevant disciplines. Participants were trained on the key recommendations and clinical algorithms within the CPG, with the aim of bringing this knowledge back to their respective states through subsequent echo-training sessions.

It was a fruitful day of learning, covering the management of common foreign bodies, discharge and follow-up, as well as prevention.

If you weren’t able to join us, don’t worry...stay tuned for the upcoming echo-training sessions led by our state champions!

In the meantime, you can visit the MaHTAS website to access the e-CPG and Quick Reference used during the course.

Special thanks to the development group led by chairperson Dr. Hafatin Fairos binti Tamaddun and the CPG unit, MaHTAS on the successful development and implementation of this CPG. Thank you to everyone who had contributed to making the launch and TCT a success.

Until then, see you at our next CPG launch!

29/09/2026

HTA Presentation of Evidence Table: National Screening Programme for Prostate Cancer

📅 Date: 28 September 2026
📍 Location: Bilik Mesyuarat CPTK, Level 7, Block E3, Parcel E, Putrajaya

The presentation of the Evidence Table entitled “National Screening Programme for Prostate Cancer” was successfully conducted and chaired by the Deputy Director of MaHTAS, Dr. Syaqirah Akmal. The session was attended by a multidisciplinary panel of experts representing Urology, Pathology, Radiology, Public Health and Health Economics.

The session reviewed the available clinical evidence on the effectiveness, safety and cost-effectiveness of implementing a risk-stratified national prostate cancer screening programme in Malaysia, in comparison with the current approach of opportunistic screening. The discussion also considered the potential implications of a national screening strategy within the Malaysian healthcare setting, including its relevance to clinical practice, healthcare resources and population-level implementation.

Through constructive discussions and valuable insights from consultants and specialists, the session contributed to ensuring that the health technology assessment remains rigorous, evidence-based and contextually relevant to Malaysia, thereby supporting informed healthcare policy and decision-making.

MaHTAS sincerely thanks all experts and attendees for their valuable contributions, insightful feedback and active participation throughout the session. Your expertise and commitment are instrumental in strengthening the quality of our health technology assessments and supporting evidence-informed healthcare decision-making.

28/09/2026

إِنَّا لِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُو

Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia (KKM) merakamkan setinggi-tinggi ucapan takziah atas pemergian YABhg. Tun Dr. Siti Hasmah binti Mohamad Ali yang telah kembali ke rahmatullah.

Seluruh warga KKM menzahirkan rasa dukacita yang mendalam atas kehilangan tokoh negarawan yang amat disayangi, yang juga merupakan antara doktor wanita Melayu terawal di Malaysia.

Jasa, bakti, dan sumbangan berterusan Allahyarhamah dalam memajukan sektor kesihatan awam, khususnya dalam aspek kesihatan ibu dan anak serta kesejahteraan masyarakat, akan sentiasa terpahat dalam sejarah negara.

Mendoakan agar roh Allahyarhamah dicucuri rahmat oleh Allah SWT, diampunkan segala dosanya, dan ditempatkan dalam kalangan hamba-Nya yang beriman serta beramal soleh.

Salam takziah diucapkan kepada seluruh ahli keluarga Allahyarhamah. Semoga diberikan ketabahan dan kekuatan dalam menghadapi ujian ini.

Al-Fatihah.

25/09/2026

𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬
𝟐𝟑 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

MaHTAS officers (Health Industry Development Unit) - Pn. Ku Nurhasni, Dr. Norrina, and En. Lee Sit Wai, attended the INTEL & MRANTI healthcare transformation event at Le Méridien Kuala Lumpur. The session focused on the role of digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping the future of healthcare. Bringing together industry leaders and technology experts, the event showcased how advanced technologies drive diagnostic precision, expedite clinical decision-making, elevate patient outcomes, and optimise healthcare operations. Additionally, delegates gained insights into MRANTI’s Health Tech Hub initiatives, including sandbox hospital and strategic healthcare directions.

𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬:

Panel Discussion: Beyond the AI Hype – Focus Areas for Real Healthcare Impact, involving multi-stakeholder insights from hospitals (technology adopters), regulators (governance leads), and industry partners (innovators).

a) Hospitals (technology adopters): Evaluating AI technologies for clinical deployment and identifying usable data streams across treatment, diagnostic, and patient monitoring processes

b) Regulator : Key regulatory priorities include defining parameters for safe clinical data translation, ensuring full regulatory compliance, and developing support solutions designed to augment rather than replace healthcare professionals. A clearly defined intended use is required to determine how AI technology classified under Medical Device Authority (MDA) regulations. Key technical requirements included robust Quality Management Systems, structured software lifecycles, cybersecurity, and user-friendly interfaces, supported by end-to-end risk management to handle evolving data and algorithm updates over time.

The discussion also provided key clarifications on Software as a Medical Device (SaMD) frameworks, while exploring market expansion opportunities across the ASEAN region. Looking ahead over the next five years, there also emphasized on the healthcare ecosystem driven by seamless interoperability, robust cybersecurity standards, and strong clinical evidence generation.

c) Industry Partners (Innovators): Targeting core operational bottlenecks, including healthcare worker overload and building tailored solutions to enhance administrative efficiency and screening workflows.

The event also featured technology pitching session highlighting innovative solutions in transforming care delivery with AI such as integrated real-time 3D imaging, point-of-care screening devices, and unified patient monitoring into a seamless clinical workflow (improve operational efficiency) and extending life-saving cancer screening to community outreach programs.

We hope that the technological insights shared during this event will enhance our understanding of the evolving AI ecosystem and its practical implementation in healthcare.

22/09/2026

📢 MYMAHTAS IS NOW OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!

We are pleased to announce that the official MyMaHTAS portal is now accessible to the public once again. MyMaHTAS can be found through search engines such as Google, Yahoo, and others.

The public can access a wide range of publications and reference materials produced by MaHTAS, including Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG), Health Technology Assessment (HTA), and other related publications available through the MyMaHTAS portal.

🌐 Visit MyMaHTAS to access the latest information and publications from MaHTAS.

https://mymahtas.moh.gov.my/

21/09/2026

An unforgettable week at GIN 2026!

From 15–18 September, the Guidelines International Network Conference brought healthcare leaders, guideline developers and researchers from around the world to the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC).

Highlights from GIN 2026:

Malaysian hospitality: MaHTAS hosted the Welcome Reception, featuring vibrant performances of Tarian Zapin and Silat, together with delicious Malaysian cuisine, following welcoming remarks by Dr Syaqirah.

Thought-provoking discussions: The plenaries explored important and emerging topics, including artificial intelligence in guideline development, planetary health and high-value care.

Planetary-health debate: A lively debate examined pragmatic versus comprehensive approaches to integrating planetary health into guideline recommendations. Dr Karen Sharmini Sandanasamy took an active role in advocating for pragmatic integration—one that considers the relevance of planetary-health impacts, the local setting, available resources and the need to safeguard patient outcomes.

Guidelines and their wider impact: The final plenary examined the impact of guidelines, including their legal implications and standing in a court of law—an especially relevant discussion for guideline developers and healthcare professionals.

From recommendations to measurable improvement: It was a privilege to connect with Hugh McGuire, who delivered an insightful session on the importance of clinical audit indicators and shared how NICE uses them to support guideline implementation and measure improvements in care.

Regional collaboration: We also had fruitful discussions with our counterparts from the Agency for Care Effectiveness (ACE), Singapore, on strengthening knowledge-sharing and future collaboration in CPG development and implementation.

Meaningful connections: New friendships were formed and old acquaintances rekindled through conversations over coffee breaks about healthcare systems, guideline development and, of course, our shared love of Malaysian food!

Special thanks to:

Dato’ Dr Mohd Azman bin Yacob, Deputy Director-General of Health (Medical), for officiating the conference and for his unwavering support.

Dr Nor Hayati binti Ibrahim, Director of the Medical Development Division, for visiting the MaHTAS booth and supporting the team.

Dr Hanin, Dr Tengku Farhana, Dr Hanani, Pn Mariam and Dr Irfan for their excellent poster and oral presentations! 🌟

And finally, our sincere appreciation to the amazing volunteers, organisers, speakers, delegates and the entire GIN community who made GIN 2026 such a memorable and meaningful experience.

21/09/2026

𝐌𝐚𝐇𝐓𝐀𝐒 𝐂𝐨-𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐆𝐈𝐍 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔!
𝟏𝟓 – 𝟏𝟖 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

Sincere congratulations to the Malaysian Health Technology Assessment Section (MaHTAS), Medical Development Division, MOH Malaysia, on co-hosting the Guidelines International Network (GIN) Conference 2026 at KLCC.

Gathering 360 global delegates, this historic event, the first GIN Conference in Southeast Asia focused on "Guidelines for All: Bridging Tradition, Technology and High-Value Care. The event theme highlighted on public health, artificial intelligence (AI), digital innovation, equity, traditional medicine, and implementation science in clinical guideline development.

𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭:

The event was officially officiated by YBhg. Dato' Dr. Mohd Azman bin Yacob, Deputy Director-General of Health (Medical), who emphasized two pivotal pillars in his opening address:
• Bridging Evidence & Practice: Standardising clinical care and optimizing resources through evidence-based guidelines.
• Building Trust in Innovation: Integrating AI and digital technology without compromising methodological rigor, transparency, or high-value patient outcomes.

𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩: Congratulations to Dr. Izzuna Mudla Mohamed Ghazali, Senior Deputy Director of the Medical Development Division, who represented MOH Malaysia as Vice Chair of the Scientific Committee.

𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭: Recognition to Dr. Karen Sharmini for representing MaHTAS as an esteemed panelist in the plenary sessions.

𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬: Well done to MaHTAS delegates - Pn. Siti Mariam Mohtar and Dr. Tengku Noor Farhana Tengku Khalid (Oral Presentations), as well as Dr. Hanin Farhana Kamaruzaman, Dr. Ahmad Irfan Shaik Abdul Malik, and Dr. Nur Hanani Mat Daud (Poster Presentations)

𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝: Congratulations to Dr. Hanin Farhana Kamaruzaman for receiving the "𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧"award.

A heartfelt thank you to the dedicated MaHTAS, MOH volunteer team whose made this international conference a success.
Together, we continue advancing high-value, evidence-based healthcare worldwide!

17/09/2026

09/09/2026

Strengthening Professional Capacity of MaHTAS Officers

Investing in continuous professional development is fundamental to strengthening MaHTAS’s technical excellence, institutional capacity and long-term sustainability.

MaHTAS officers need to continuously develop expertise across evidence synthesis, research, health policy and health-system perspectives to respond effectively to evolving healthcare needs.

Priority areas include:

✅ Advanced research and evidence synthesis – Strengthen capabilities in systematic reviews, and emerging research methodologies.

✅ Knowledge and expertise sharing : promote peer learning, mentoring and collaborative research to build institutional knowledge.

✅ Strategic networking : strengthen partnerships with HTA agencies, academic institutions, researchers, clinicians and policymakers nationally and internationally.

✅ Policy and health-system literacy : develop a deeper understanding of how evidence informs policy, priority-setting, resource allocation and healthcare delivery.

✅ Leadership development : nurture technical experts and future leaders who can guide methodology, mentor colleagues and represent MaHTAS at national and international platforms.

Developing a highly competent, connected and policy-oriented workforce will strengthen the quality, credibility and policy relevance of MaHTAS outputs, supporting better evidence-informed decisions and contributing to a more responsive Malaysian health system.