Health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said the SAP was an interim mechanism that allows the use of unregistered medical devices, subject to strict quality and safety assessments.

“Suppliers can apply for us to fast-track the registration process,” he told reporters after the 2026 National World Hearing Day celebration here today.

Dzulkefly said the mechanism was important to meet the needs of the health system, including consumables such as gloves, syringes, and other essential supplies.

He added that the SAP was only temporary and would be used in specific cases, such as supply chain disruptions or health emergencies.

Yesterday, the health ministry said medicine and medical device supplies would remain secure through stronger buffer stocks amid the current global energy crisis.

It said it would diversify supply stocks and work closely with the industry to continuously monitor raw materials and the supply chain so that risks could be identified early and addressed more effectively.

In another development, Dzulkefly said the ministry would keep increasing the recruitment of nurses to meet the sector’s staffing needs, reviewing appointment conditions and pay.

He said steps were being taken, including easing some requirements and considering better pay to make nursing a more attractive profession.

“We are looking at pay and allowances, including possible increases to shift and post-basic allowances,” he said.

He added however that strengthening the nursing workforce would take time and could not be done quickly.

“There are no shortcuts. At the very least, it takes about three years for a cohort to complete its diploma or degree,” he said.