Dr. Mazlina Binti Mohtar

Dr. Mazlina Binti Mohtar is a senior public health doctor and medical administrator currently serving as Deputy Medical Director at Hospital Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah, Temerloh, Malaysia. She provides strategic oversight for the Risk Management and Surveillance, Clinical Diagnostics, and Clinical Support and Research portfolios, with a strong focus on patient safety, governance, and health system performance.

With over 24 years of medical experience, Dr. Mazlina has developed deep expertise in Public Health, particularly in Epidemiology and Disease Control and Occupational Safety and Health. Her career spans all levels of the Malaysia health system, including primary care, hospital services, state health administration, and the Ministry of Health Malaysia, equipping her with a comprehensive understanding of health system strengthening in both routine and emergency settings.

Dr. Mazlina holds a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree (2002) and a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree (2012) both from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). She is widely recognised for her leadership in Tuberculosis (TB) and Leprosy Control, having served for nine years at the TB and Leprosy Unit, Pahang State Health Department. At the national level, she has contributed to the development of clinical guidelines, national strategic plans, and policy frameworks, including the National Leprosy Management Manual, supporting evidence-based programme implementation.

At the subnational level, Dr. Mazlina played a pivotal leadership role in the Pahang Leprosy Task Force, where she helped position Pahang as a national pioneer in implementing Single-Dose Rifampicin Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP-SDR) for leprosy prevention among high-risk populations. This initiative later informed implementation in other states and strengthened Malaysia’s community-based leprosy prevention strategy.

Beyond government service, Dr. Mazlina demonstrates strong civil society and global health leadership. She currently serves as Chairperson for MALRA Pahang branch, a non-government supporting individuals affected by Leprosy. She is also The President of MAPTB Pahang, and Honorary Medical Director of MAPTB Federal, organisations supporting individuals affected by TB. Internationally, she contributes to regional TB control efforts as a member of the Coordinating Committee of the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union), Asia Pacific Region.

In recognition of her impact, Dr. Mazlina received the Hansen’s Warrior Award from the Ministry of Health Malaysia in 2025. Under her leadership, the Pahang TB and Leprosy Programme has achieved multiple national excellence awards, reflecting strong programme performance, partnership-building, and results-oriented leadership.

Her leadership philosophy is guided by the principle: “One Step Ahead, Driven by Full Commitment and Excellence in Every Effort. Teamwork Makes the Dream Work.”