PETALING JAYA: The transition period for the registration of allied health professionals with the government has been extended to Dec 31 next year.
The Malaysian Allied Health Professionals Council, which operates under the supervision of the Health Ministry, said the decision on the extension was made at its recent meeting.
“It takes into account the need to implement the Allied Health Professions Act 2016 holistically and effectively, while taking into account policies, the interests of practitioners, and public wellbeing.
“The extension will provide sufficient time for all practitioners, especially those in the private sector, to comply with registration conditions and apply for certificates of practice,” it said in a statement on Monday (June 23).
The initial registration deadline was slated for June 30 this year.
Allied health professionals include physiotherapists, occupational therapists, radiographers, speech therapists, dietitians or nutritionists, and medical laboratory technologists, among others.
The council said the extension will allow the data of practitioners nationwide to be standardised and enhance its accuracy while also taking into account applications for certificates of practice.
“This enhances transparency in health services,” it said.
Apart from the extension, a new online module dubbed the Malaysian Health Practitioners System will be introduced to aid the application process and the issuing of certificates from this month.
“All allied health professionals must obtain their certificate of practice before the transition period ends to practice legitimately,” it said.
The council added that all allied health professionals whose services are listed under the Act must present their registration application to the council by Dec 31 next year.
They must also obtain a legitimate certificate of practice within the stipulated extension period.
“Any unregistered practitioners or those found practising without a certificate will face action," the council said.
It also advised the public to only seek the services of registered and certified allied health professionals.
