PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has urged the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) to strengthen its manpower and administrative capacity following delays in the issuance of Annual Practising Certificates (APC) for doctors.
MMA president Datuk Dr Thirunavukarasu Rajoo said in a statement that a comprehensive review of operations within the MMC Secretariat was needed, including staffing adequacy, workload management and overall process efficiency, to ensure similar delays do not recur.
He said the MMA also supports MMC’s plans to accelerate the digital transformation of the APC system towards a real-time, transparent and user-friendly platform.
Dr Thirunavukarasu said the MMA appreciates MMC president Datuk Dr Mahathar Abd Wahab's recent clarification and assurance on the APC renewal process, where doctors who have fulfilled key requirements, including valid professional indemnity cover, completion of continuing professional development (CPD) points and submission of payment, may continue their medical practice while awaiting the physical issuance of their certificates.
"This is timely and reassuring, especially for those in private practice. The MMA also welcomes MMC’s commitment to resolve all pending APC issuances by Jan 31.
"This assurance provides much-needed clarity to doctors who have been left in uncertainty.
“This relieves the administrative and legal pressure faced by doctors, particularly from hospitals, pharmaceutical partners and insurance networks where delays can raise concerns over professional liability exposure,” Dr Thirunavukarasu said.
The association added that it remained committed to working closely with the MMC and the Health Ministry to strengthen regulatory processes, safeguard the medical profession and ensure uninterrupted, ethical and high-quality care for patients.
