By Zaki Salleh
IPOH: The pilot project for the SIHAT AI Smart Health Kiosk was officially launched at the Perak Techno-Trade Centre (PTTC) in Bandar Meru Raya, marking the beginning of the development of a smart healthcare ecosystem in the state.
The initiative was introduced by the Perak state government through Digital Perak Corporation Holdings (Digital Perak).
It aims to strengthen public healthcare through the use of artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics and digital health infrastructure, particularly in supporting the early detection of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes and hypertension.
Under the pilot project, the SIHAT AI Kiosk serves as a self-service health screening centre, enabling the public to obtain basic health assessments more conveniently, quickly and closer to their communities.
The kiosk offers health checks including blood pressure, heart rate, blood oxygen level, body temperature, blood glucose, cholesterol, uric acid, body weight, body mass index (BMI) and body composition analysis.
It is also equipped with AI-powered facial scanning technology to analyse early health risks, a digital health record system, mental wellness support through virtual reality (VR) applications, telemedicine facilities, as well as clinically certified medical devices approved by the relevant authorities.
The launch ceremony was officiated by the Menteri Besar of Perak, Dato’ Seri Saarani Mohamad.
In his speech, Saarani said the pilot project reflects the state government’s commitment to leveraging technology to improve the well-being of its people.
“Through the SIHAT AI Kiosk, health screening becomes easier, faster and can be accessed free of charge at government premises and community centres.
“This approach is also in line with the aspirations of Perak Sejahtera 2030, which emphasises prevention, early detection and more inclusive access to healthcare for urban and rural communities, as well as vulnerable groups,” he said.
He added that the implementation of the SIHAT AI Kiosk also supports the SMART Perak agenda and the development of Perak’s Digital Economy through digital solutions that deliver direct benefits to the people.
According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023, Perak recorded the highest prevalence of diabetes and hypertension in Malaysia, at 21.7 per cent and 40.2 per cent respectively.
At the same time, the Ministry of Health reported that 51 per cent of Malaysians have never undergone regular health screenings.
The annual cost of managing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Malaysia is estimated to reach RM64.3 billion.
