PETALING JAYA: The recent arrest of 10 Bangladeshi men who allegedly offered illegal medical services in Kuala Lumpur is cause for concern, says the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA).
Its president Datuk Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira said it is alarming to learn that the so-called "clinics" the suspects ran were stocked with unregistered medicines and fake medical equipment, while treatments were provided by unqualified individuals.
"We commend the Health Ministry and Immigration Department for the stern action taken and urge the public to remain vigilant.
"Any illegal healthcare activities should be reported to the authorities without delay," he said in a statement on Sunday (Jan 26).
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Dr Kalwinder said all doctors practising in Malaysia must be registered with the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) and have a valid Annual Practicing Certificate (APC).
All clinic premises must be registered with the Health Ministry’s Medical Practice Division in compliance with the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998, he added.
"We strongly advise the public to seek healthcare services only from recognised and registered healthcare facilities to ensure safety and quality of care," he said.
On Thursday (Jan 23), the Immigration Department and Health Ministry conducted raids in Jalan Tun Tan Siew Sin, Leboh Pudu and Jalan Silang before detaining the 10 men aged between 31 and 50 in connection with offering uncertified medical services.
It was found that the group operated in the guise of restaurants and sundry shops to evade detection by the authorities.
Medicines without Health Ministry approval were brought into the country by Bangladeshi nationals coming here as tourists, Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban told the media after the raids.
