KUALA LUMPUR: An infectious disease institute will be developed in Bandar Enstek, Negri Seremban under the under 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP), says Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

       "The Malaysian Infectious Disease Institute will be built in Bandar Enstek in 2022.

       "The institute aims to prevent diseases, infirmities and deaths due to infectious diseases," the Prime Minister said when tabling the 12MP in Dewan Rakyat on Monday (Sept 27).

       He said this was part of the government's plan to strengthen the nation's healthcare system.

       "The government will review the effectiveness of the present healthcare system and will draft national health policies to improve the nation's readiness in managing infectious diseases and health crises," he added.

       He also said that a roadmap for the development of the nation's own Covid-19 vaccine is being finalised.

       Ismail added that new health facilities will also be developed nationwide over the next five years on top of the 12 new hospitals that are currently being built.

       "The government has also identified proactive steps to increase hospital readiness to achieve a ratio of 2.06 hospital beds per 1,000 people by 2025," he said.

       He added that this includes increasing equipment and intensive care units.

       Ismail unveiled a RM400bil 12MP, themed 'A Prosperous, Inclusive, Sustainable Malaysia'.

       The five-year (2021-2025) aims to steer the nation out of the Covid-19 pandemic and put the economy back on track