Malaysian drone technology company Alphaswift Industries Sdn. Bhd. has completed a proof-of-concept trial transporting blood samples by drone between two hospitals in Pahang, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health Malaysia (KKM).
The trial involved a flight from Hospital Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah (HOSHAS) in Temerloh to Hospital Bera, covering an aerial distance of about 20 kilometres in approximately 20 minutes.
According to Alphaswift, the project is the first Malaysian trial to use a drone to carry blood samples between two hospitals. The exercise assessed delivery duration, the condition of samples after transport, operational logistics and how drone delivery compares with road-based transport.
The company said it spent about two years and RM500,000 preparing the service, including work to meet regulatory requirements for transporting blood samples by drone.
A ceremony recognising the completion of the trial was held at Hospital Bera on 20 August 2026. It was attended by representatives from KKM, Pahang’s state health department, Hospital Bera, MaHTAS, MRANTI and industry organisations. YB Dato’ Ir. Razali bin Kassim attended on behalf of Pahang Menteri Besar Dato’ Sri Diraja Haji Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail.
Razali said Pahang’s size, the distances between districts and uneven access to health facilities could make faster methods of moving medical supplies useful, particularly where time is important.
Alphaswift chief executive Dr Shian Lee said the company had worked for two years towards regulatory compliance for drone-based blood transport and that the trial demonstrated the potential of the technology for healthcare logistics.
The company plans to conduct its next medical drone delivery project in Tawau, Sabah. It also said it intends to invest further in developing medical drone operations in other parts of Malaysia.
Alphaswift said it has conducted more than 1,000 drone flights, recorded over 400 flight hours and completed more than 10,000 kilometres of cargo-delivery testing.
