Supply For Medical Device Industry Remain Stable Amid Geopolitical Uncertainty
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 27 (Bernama) -- The supply outlook for the medical device industry remains stable amid the ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, said Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir.
He said that in terms of supply disruption, 81.3 per cent of medical-device items were assessed as low risk while 18.7 per cent were assessed as medium risk, based on the latest supply-risk assessment as at Aug 5.
“This reinforces the importance of building resilience before disruptions become more severe. Malaysia’s approach therefore is to combine greater diversification with stronger domestic capability,” he said in his keynote address at the International Medical Device Exhibition and Conference (IMDEC) 2026, today.
Akmal Nasrullah said geopolitical tensions, shifts in global trade and continued supply-chain disruptions have shown how pressures on energy, logistics and critical inputs can quickly affect production and the availability of essential goods.
However, he said Malaysia will continue to strengthen trusted international partnerships while building capabilities at home in technology, engineering, innovation and production.
“The objective is not to step away from global value chains, but to strengthen Malaysia’s position within them and enhance our ability to respond to future disruptions,” he said.
Akmal Nasrullah noted that Malaysia already has an established medical-device ecosystem, supported by capabilities in electronics, precision engineering, plastics and rubber, packaging, sterilisation and advanced manufacturing.
“Our medical-device exports stood at RM34.54 billion in 2025, demonstrating the scale of Malaysia’s presence in global healthcare supply chains,” he said.
He highlighted that Malaysia has the foundations to become a stronger regional medical technology hub with an established manufacturing base, supporting industrial capabilities, international connectivity, regulatory institutions, talent and a growing innovation ecosystem.
“We will continue to participate in global value chains and welcome international technology and investment, while creating more opportunities for Malaysian companies, talent and intellectual property to grow alongside them,” he said.
On building Malaysian companies and talent, Akmal Nasrullah said that a stronger medical technology ecosystem must translate into stronger Malaysian companies.
He added that small and medium enterprises and mid-tier companies need clearer pathways to become specialised suppliers, product developers, technology partners and regional exporters.
“This requires closer links between clinicians, researchers, engineers, manufacturers, regulators, investors and markets.
“It also requires talent that can work across disciplines, including biomedical engineering, software, data science, clinical research, regulatory affairs and advanced manufacturing,” he said.
Akmal Nasrullah said medical technology can deliver a double dividend.
“It can generate investment, exports, innovation and productive jobs; and at the same time, better diagnostics, digital health, connected devices and artificial intelligence-enabled solutions can improve the efficiency and quality of healthcare,” he added.
-- BERNAMA