MACC: Doctors who sell MCs risk prosecution, loss of licences

KUALA LUMPUR: Doctors who are caught selling medical certificates (MC) could lose their license to practise and face the risk of prosecution, said the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

"We can do so as such acts have an element of fraud, with the principle intention of fooling employers and obtaining financial gain," said its director of investigations Datuk Mustafar Ali.

He said this was an ethical lapse and a serious crime, and such doctors would be referred to the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC).

He added the MMC had the right to revoke their license as a medical practitioner, while MACC would also investigate them under Section 18 of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Act 2009.

"MACC has taken action against several doctors who had issued fake MCs to workers that were not sick and had paid for it," Mustafar said, adding that the recipients of the MCs could also be prosecuted.

This came after Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam said that the Government would take stern action against any doctor found selling MCs, calling such doctors a shame to the profession during a ground-breaking ceremony of SJK(C) Hwa Nam at Batu Anam here Friday.

Mustafar urged the Ministry and Health Department to refer any cases or evidence involving malpractice to the commission to ensure the continued integrity of the medical profession.