Datuk Dr Mahathar Abd Wahab

Datuk Dr Mahathar bin Abd Wahab is the current Director-General of Health Malaysia, appointed in May 2025. A seasoned clinician and respected health leader, he began his service with the Ministry of Health in 1996 and has since held a range of senior positions at both hospital and national levels. These include Head of the Emergency and Trauma Department at Hospital Kuala Lumpur (2017–2025), Head of Emergency Medicine and Trauma Services, and President of the College of Emergency Physicians, Academy of Medicine Malaysia.

Trained in both the United Kingdom and Malaysia, Datuk Dr Mahathar holds a Bachelor of Medical Science from the University of St Andrews, a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from the University of Manchester, and a Master of Emergency Medicine from Universiti Sains Malaysia. His career has been defined by a deep commitment to strengthening emergency care systems, enhancing medical education, and shaping disaster and crisis response frameworks.

Widely regarded for his contributions to the development of emergency medicine in Malaysia, he has been actively involved in national policy formulation, trauma systems planning, capacity building, and frontline service transformation. His dedication to excellence has earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious Panglima Setia DiRaja (PSD).

Today, as Director-General, Datuk Dr Mahathar continues to champion innovation, integrated care, and workforce development. His leadership is anchored in clinical experience, policy insight, and an unwavering focus on improving the resilience and quality of Malaysia’s healthcare system