KUALA LUMPUR: The government is allocating RM230mil for the Health Ministry to upgrade its technology at laboratories meant for testing drugs, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The Deputy Prime Minister said currently, there are 14 labs for drug testing but added that most of the equipment in these labs was outdated.

“This is about the law, especially since the content of the drugs needs to be verified through tests, from the labs to the courts.

“Today's meeting decided that the Health Ministry will prepare a Cabinet paper for the replacement of the new lab (equipment) using the latest technology to test drugs.

“The technologies (we are purchasing) come from different countries that have tested many drugs.

“It is high time we upgrade ours,” Zahid said during a press conference after chairing the first Cabinet Committee Meeting on Combating Drug Abuse for the year 2024 on Tuesday (March 26). 

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/03/26/govt-allocates-rm230mil-for-health-ministry-to-upgrade-drug-testing-labs-says-zahid