PETALING JAYA: Traditional and complementary medicine (TCM) practitioners are questioning why they are not listed under essential services despite being allowed to operate during previous movement restrictions.
Several leaders of the Chinese medicine chambers of commerce told news portal The Malaysian Insight that they were allowed to operate under the two previous movement control orders (MCO), but were recently told not operate between June 1 and 14.
Chinese Physicians Medicine Dealers Associations Malaysia (FCPMDAM) president Ting Ka Hua said the Health Ministry did not consult any of the TCM stakeholders before arriving at the decision to exclude TCM from the essential services sector.
"It is necessary for the Health Ministry to explain its reasons. Our TCM practitioners are also regarded in the life-saving and healing field," Ting was quoted as saying on Saturday (June 5).
Ting proposed that SOPs be tightened in TCM clinics, rather than issuing a blanket ruling to exclude them from operating in the current 14-day lockdown.
Meanwhile, Federation of Chinese Physicians & Acupuncturists Association of Malaysia (FCPAAM) chairman Dr Ng Po Kok said the TCM field was allowed to operate in the previous two MCOs after they filed an appeal.
"During the second MCO, they said TCM can operate except for acupuncture and massage activities," he said.
He also noted that the Health Ministry's TCM division had issued a directive stating that TCM businesses are not allowed to operate beginning June 1.
Ting pointed out that there were patients requiring long-term TCM services, such as those suffering from stroke, sprains and certain injuries that require continuous acupuncture treatment.
"There will be difficulties if you take a two-week break in treatment. The main thing is that the patient's hardship cannot be resolved," he added.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access
Cancel anytime. Ad-free. Unlimited access with perks.
