PETALING JAYA: A "Doctor" title does not confer an individual the right to be a medical practitioner in Malaysia as this requires an Annual Practising Certificate (APC), says the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC).
"The MMC wishes to clarify the issue concerning the use of the title "Dr" by individuals who have completed medical studies but are not registered as medical practitioners with the MMC.
"Medical graduates from a recognised medical degree programme may use the academic title "Dr" as an indication of their academic qualification," MMC president Datuk Dr Mahathar Abd Wahab said in a statement on Tuesday (Dec 23).
He said the "Dr" title is not exclusive to medical practitioners and is used by dentists, veterinarians and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree holders.
"However, the title does not confer any right on an individual to be a medical practitioner in Malaysia.
"Permission to practise medicine is subject to compliance with the Medical Act 1971 and the Regulations made thereunder," said Dr Mahathar, who is also Health Director-General.
"For medical graduates who obtained their qualifications from medical programmes not listed in the Second Schedule of the Medical Act 1971, consideration for registration to practise medicine is subject to the requirements stipulated under the relevant legal provisions, including passing the prescribed examinations and undergoing postgraduate training at recognised postgraduate training hospitals in Malaysia.
"Individuals wanting to practice medicine in Malaysia must be registered with the MMC and hold a valid APC before embarking on any form of medical practice," he added.
Dr Mahathar urged the public to verify the status of any medical practitioner through the Medical Register Information and Technical System at https://merits.mmc.gov.my.
"Any doubts or complaints relating to possible impersonation or misuse of the title may be directed to admin.mmc@moh.gov.my," he said.
While no names were mentioned in the statement, the clarification appears to allude to the "Dr" title of the new Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari.
Some quarters have questioned whether his title is valid as he is allegedly not registered to practise medicine in Malaysia despite holding a medical degree from Universitas Islam Bandung, Indonesia.
