A total of 26 medicines for rare diseases had been registered in Malaysia as of April this year, from none before 2020, the Dewan Negara was told today. She was responding to a question from Senator J. Isaiah on the government’s initiatives and latest developments in the management and treatment of rare diseases in Malaysia. Hanifah Hajar said 529 types of rare diseases have been identified and included in the Malaysian Rare Disease List, with about 80 per cent attributed to genetic factors. Hanifah Hajar also said the National Rare Disease Policy for Malaysia was formulated in 2025, while a national action plan is currently being finalised through collaboration among relevant ministries. At the regional level, she said Malaysia hosted and spearheaded the Southeast Asia Rare Disease Policy Forum in 2025 and is working towards the adoption of an Asean Declaration on Rare Diseases.