The prices of medicine and medical devices have risen.  

The Health Ministry confirmed that the climb was due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.  

The increase is estimated to be around 30-40% in certain cases, and possibly higher for specific medical devices. 

However, minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad has assured that the ministry's medicine stockpile has enough supply to last until June. 

He also assured that the government is taking further steps to ensure a stable supply of meds...  

Although there's nothing to worry about, the minister did warn Malaysians not to take the situation lightly. 

-- 

The Women, Family, and Community Development Ministry is stepping up efforts to minimize risks of negligence, neglect, and abuse at care homes.  

As such, it told the NST that it will focus on tighter enforcement, enhanced monitoring, and stricter action against offenders.  

For example, officers will carry out regular surprise inspections at registered homes at least twice a year.  

This, following allegations of sexual abuse at an unregistered care home in Gombak. 

--

The Prime Minister has assured that Malaysia's oil supply for April and May remains under control.

He says six Malaysian vessels have successfully cleared the Strait of Hormuz and are on their way home.  

The PM explained that only one vessel remains stranded after suffering a mechanical breakdown. 

-- 

And in the US...First Lady Melania Trump has denied connections to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.  

In a surprise announcement, she also called for congressional hearings for survivors of Epstein's sex trafficking. 

--