FOR Malaysia, the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz is not just an energy crisis; it is also a problem of access to medicine. Malaysia is a net importer of pharmaceuticals. According to the Malaysian Investment Development Authority’s (Mida) pharmaceutical industry profile, imports rose from RM7.76bil in 2019 to RM11.30bil in 2023.

Source: The Star March 20, 2026 11:55 UTC