10,000 Traffic Police To Undergo Lung Screening Under Lungshield Programme

CYBERJAYA, May 10 (Bernama) -- A total of 10,000 traffic police personnel will undergo early lung disease screening under the LungShield Programme after being identified as being in a high-risk group for lung disease due to daily exposure to occupational and environmental factors.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the programme, a collaboration between IHH Healthcare, the Health Ministry (MOH), and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), will later be expanded in stages to other departments within PDRM.

“Lung disease remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and death in Malaysia. Many patients, especially lung cancer patients, are diagnosed at a late stage when treatment becomes more difficult and survival rates are lower.

“In the initial phase, the programme will begin with screenings for 10,000 traffic police personnel, who are among the high-risk groups for lung disease due to occupational and environmental exposure,” he told reporters this after attending the close of the National Tobacco Control Conference and Lung Health Summit 2026 here today.

Under the LungShield Programme, chest X-ray screenings assisted by artificial intelligence technology, radiologist reports, follow-up diagnostic pathways, and financial protection mechanisms will help strengthen the lung cancer care pathway, particularly for those who may face barriers in obtaining further examinations.

Earlier in his speech, Dzulkefly said the fight against tobacco use, nicotine addiction and lung diseases cannot be achieved by the MOH alone.

He said it required the involvement of multiple stakeholders, including healthcare professionals who play a role in advising, treating and supporting patients.

“We need enforcement officers to uphold the law, educators to guide our children, parents to protect the home environment, as well as community leaders, the media and civil society to carry the message of prevention into every community.

“To those who are smoking or vaping today, I say this sincerely. It is never too late to stop. Do not wait until breathing becomes difficult. Do not wait until the X-Ray shows something worrying. Do not wait until your family pleads with you to change,” he added.

-- BERNAMA