PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) has apologised for delays in issuing Annual Practising Certificates (APCs) for 2026, citing a surge in applications towards the end of last year.
The council stated that the delays primarily affected applicants who submitted their supporting documents late.
It confirmed that any medical practitioner who submitted a complete 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 is allowed to practise without enforcement action until the certificate is issued.
“This is provided the practitioner is not subject to any restriction, suspension or prohibition under any other provision of the Medical Act.
“For completed applications submitted on or before Dec 31, 2025, the effective date of the APC will 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 council said in a statement yesterday.
MMC expressed appreciation for the patience and cooperation of medical practitioners and assured that these measures aim to ensure the continuity of healthcare services to the public.
The council would also implement necessary improvements to prevent this issue from recurring in the future, it added.
The Star reported yesterday that healthcare stakeholders had voiced concern that lengthy delays in APC processing left doctors in limbo.
In another statement, the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has urged the council to strengthen its manpower and administrative capacity.
Its president Datuk Dr Thirunavukarasu Rajoo said a comprehensive review of operations within the MMC Secretariat was needed, including staffing levels, workload management and overall process efficiency.
He added that the MMA supports the council’s plans to accelerate the digital transformation of the APC system into a real-time, transparent and user-friendly platform.
He welcomed MMC’s clarification that doctors who meet key requirements, including valid professional indemnity coverage, completion of continuing professional development points, and payment submissions, may continue practising pending the issuance of their APCs.
“This is timely and reassuring, especially for those in private practice. MMC’s commitment to resolve all pending APC issuances by Jan 31 provides much-needed clarity for doctors who have been left in uncertainty,” he said.
He noted that the assurance also eases administrative and legal pressure, particularly from hospitals, pharmaceutical partners and insurance networks, where delays could raise concerns about professional liability exposure.
