KUALA LUMPUR, April 13 — The Malaysian Pharmacists Society has welcomed a new requirement for pharmaceutical firms to report potential medicine shortages six months in advance.
Calling it a proactive step to strengthen supply resilience. Its president, Amrahi Buang, said the move must be supported by buffer stock policies and stronger local production to reduce reliance on imports.
He noted that about 70% of Malaysia’s medicines are imported, exposing the country to global disruptions. Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted vulnerabilities.
With shortages of basic drugs like paracetamol. Experts also urged improved monitoring systems, flexible implementation, and incentives to ensure compliance while protecting patient care and national health security.
