MOH and Mudah Healthtech launched satellite-powered Sihat Xpress Kiosks to improve digital healthcare access in rural Sabah communities.
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is taking another step towards expanding digital healthcare access in rural communities with the launch of Mudah Healthtech’s Sihat Xpress Kiosk at the Ministry of Health’s Sandakan Wellness Hub.
The soft launch was officiated by Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad and attended by Sandakan MP Vivian Wong Shir Yee.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts under the Agenda Nasional Malaysia Sihat (ANMS) to strengthen preventive healthcare and improve access to health services in underserved areas, particularly in East Malaysia.
Speaking at the event, Dzulkefly said the Sandakan Wellness Hub reflected the government’s transition from a “sick care” model to a more preventive and resilient healthcare ecosystem.
“As Malaysia pivots toward a more resilient and preventative healthcare ecosystem, the Sandakan Wellness Hub is a testament to our strategic shift from ‘Sick Care’ to true ‘Health Care’ under the Agenda Nasional Malaysia Sihat,” he said.
He added that digital innovations such as the Sihat Xpress Kiosk would help democratise healthcare by making wellness services more inclusive, equitable and accessible to Malaysians.
Mudah Healthtech founder and managing director Datuk Dr Kantha Rasalingam said the company was committed to narrowing the healthcare gap between urban and rural communities through digital technology.
He said the Sihat Xpress Kiosk was designed to serve as an accessible digital entry point into the healthcare system, particularly for communities in remote parts of Sabah and Sarawak.
“We are committed to serving East Malaysians by bridging the healthcare gap and bringing digital technological advancements to rural communities,” he said.
The company aims to reach up to one million Malaysians in remote areas through the initiative.
For rural communities where access to consistent health monitoring is often limited by distance and logistics, the kiosk enables real-time data collection that could support earlier detection of health issues and encourage timely medical intervention before conditions worsen.
The initiative is supported by MEASAT Global Bhd, which provides high-speed satellite connectivity to ensure the kiosks can operate in remote locations with limited digital infrastructure.
According to the company, the project has already benefited more than 1,000 residents in several remote Sabah communities, including Kampung Togop and Kampung Manikulau in Ranau, as well as Kampung Bonor in the Sook district.
MEASAT chief operating officer Yau Chyong Lim said the collaboration demonstrated how satellite technology could help overcome the “last mile” challenges faced by rural communities.
“At MEASAT, our role goes beyond providing connectivity. We leverage our sovereign satellite capabilities together with a nationwide support ecosystem to drive meaningful digital inclusion, in close collaboration with innovative partners such as Mudah Healthtech,” he said.
He added that the collaboration supported the Health Ministry’s vision of ensuring no Malaysian is left behind in accessing healthcare and digital services.
