Professional requirement: A doctor logging into the MMC website. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
PETALING JAYA: Healthcare stakeholders are voicing concern as lengthy delays by the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) in processing Annual Practising Certificates (APCs) have left doctors in a professional and legal lurch.
Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) president Datuk Dr Thirunavukarasu Rajoo said administrative failures must not criminalise compliant doctors.
He said the situation has left tens of thousands of doctors, especially those in private practice, in a state of legal and professional uncertainty as of Jan 1.
MMC, in a notice on its website, attributed the delay to an extremely high volume of applicants.
Dr Thirunavukarasu, however, said many affected doctors have fully complied with all statutory requirements well within the stipulated timeline.
“This delay carries serious legal implications. Under Section 20(1) of the Medical Act 1971, practising medicine without a valid APC constitutes an offence, regardless of whether the practitioner has fulfilled all renewal requirements.
“For private general practitioners, a valid APC is a legal prerequisite to consult, prescribe and practise.
“For private specialists, hospitals and medical institutions are compelled to insist on a valid APC due to the high medicolegal exposure, including vicarious liability, where institutions may be held legally responsible if an unlicensed doctor practises within their facilities,” he said in a statement.
He added that the impact extends beyond legal risk.
“For doctors in private practice, the inability to practise, even for a short period, directly affects their livelihoods, professional standing and continuity of patient care.
Dr Thirunavukarasu said under Section 4(1) of the Medical Act 1971, the MMC is statutorily responsible for the registration and regulation of medical practice in Malaysia.
“In view of the current situation, we (MMA) urge MMC to provide an immediate formal assurance that doctors who have submitted all required documents on time, including valid indemnity and payment, may continue to practise without penalty during this period, and that all APCs will be issued by Jan 31,” he said.
He called for a clear public statement and an interim letter from the council to protect compliant doctors, reassure healthcare institutions and uphold patient safety.
“We further request urgent enhancement of the Medical Register Information and Technical System (MeRITS) system, moving towards a fully digital APC with real‑time status tracking, automated verification of Continuing Professional Development (points) and indemnity, and prompt electronic confirmation upon compliance.
“Doctors who have complied with the law must not be exposed to criminal liability or loss of livelihood due to systemic inefficiencies beyond their control,” he said.
Federation of Private Medical Practitioners’ Associations Malaysia (FPMPAM) President Dr Shanmuganathan TV Ganeson urged the MMC to clarify the matter and give an assurance that doctors who have duly applied and paid for their APCs within the prescribed time-frame will not be deemed non-compliant.
FPMPAM, he said, recognised administrative or systemic challenges may arise from time to time, including system upgrades or transitional issues.
However, such challenges cannot lawfully displace the rights of doctors who have acted in accordance with the Medical Act and the requirements set by the MMC.
“FPMPAM stands ready to engage constructively with the MMC to resolve this matter promptly, in the interest of legal certainty, professional fairness and the uninterrupted delivery of patient care,” he said.
Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia (APHM) president Datuk Dr Kuljit Singh said the association has formally written to MMC to request for amnesty to allow affected doctors to continue practising while awaiting the issuance of their certificates.
“APHM shares the concerns over delays in the issuance of doctors’ APC by the MMC, as these delays carry legal implications for affected practitioners,” he said.
