Putrajaya has appointed Datuk Dr Mahathar Abd Wahab, Head of Emergency and Trauma at Hospital Kuala Lumpur, as the new Director-General of Health, effective 29 May 2025.
The appointment, announced by Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, received the consent of Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim. Dr Mahathar, 56, replaces Datuk Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan, who retired on 1 May after serving in the role since April 2023.
Dr Mahathar began his career with the Ministry of Health (MOH) on 1 October 1996 as a medical officer and brings decades of experience in emergency medicine and healthcare administration.
Dr Mahathar holds a Bachelor of Medical Science from the University of St Andrews, Scotland, a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from the University of Manchester, UK, and a Master of Emergency Medicine from Universiti Sains Malaysia.
Tan Sri Shamsul Azri expressed strong confidence in Dr Mahathar’s leadership abilities, stating, “I believe in his competence and credibility to drive the ongoing healthcare reform agenda. His leadership will ensure the delivery of efficient, compassionate, and professional health services that benefit the people and the nation.”
His extensive background in trauma and emergency care also positions him well to strengthen Malaysia’s preparedness and response systems for public health emergencies.
Dr Mahathar steps into the role with widespread support from the medical community, which anticipates a forward-thinking and reform-driven approach to the country’s healthcare leadership.
