KUCHING: The National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) has allocated RM9 million for mammogram screening subsidies expected to benefit nearly 40,000 women nationwide next year.

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the allocation is part of government efforts to encourage more women to undergo early breast cancer screening.

She said the government hopes more women will utilise the initiative for early detection.

"For next year, 38,000 women (nationwide) will benefit from this subsidy, with an estimated 9,000 of them in Sarawak," she said.