PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) has apologised for delays in issuing the Annual Practising Certificates (APCs) for 2026, citing a surge in applications towards the end of last year.
MMC said in a statement on Saturday (Jan 3) that this was particularly so for those who submitted supporting documents that were received late.
The MMC has agreed that any medical practitioner who has submitted an application, made payment, and complied with the requirements under Section 20 of the Medical Act 1971 and Regulation 28 of the Medical Regulations 2017 on or before Dec 31, 2025, but has yet to receive the 2026 APC because the application is still being processed in the MeRITS system, is allowed to practise without enforcement action until the APC is issued.
“This is provided that the medical practitioner is not subject to any restriction, suspension, or prohibition from practice under any other provision of the Medical Act 1971.
“For complete applications that comply with the requirements under Section 20 of the Medical Act 1971 and Regulation 28 of the Medical Regulations 2017, and that were submitted on or before Dec 31, 2025, the effective date of the APC shall commence from Jan 1, 2026, or in accordance with the date of professional indemnity coverage.
“The effective date shall not be dependent on the date of approval or the date of issuance of the certificate,” the statement read.
MMC said it appreciates the patience and cooperation of all medical practitioners and wishes to assure that these measures are taken to ensure the continuity of healthcare services to the public.
“The MMC will also take the necessary improvement measures to ensure that this issue does not recur in the future,” it added.
The Star reported today (Jan 3) that healthcare stakeholders had voiced concern as lengthy delays by the MMC in processing APCs had left doctors in a professional and legal lurch.
Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) president Datuk Dr Thirunavukarasu Rajoo had said that administrative failures must not criminalise compliant doctors.
He had 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.
