KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has expressed deep concern over the recent discovery of illegal clinics operating in the capital, where foreign nationals allegedly pose as doctors and dispense controlled medicines without proper qualifications or registration.
Its president, Datuk Dr Thirunavukarasu Rajoo, said this raised serious concerns over patient safety and regulatory oversight, Bernama reported.
“Patients risk misdiagnosis, inappropriate treatment, complications from unsafe procedures and exposure to counterfeit or improperly dispensed medications. Medical practice in Malaysia is strictly regulated to safeguard the public, and only doctors registered with the Malaysian Medical Council and holding a valid Annual Practising Certificate are legally permitted to practise,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Dr Thirunavukarasu urged authorities to intensify surveillance and enforcement to shut down illegal healthcare operations, adding that the recurrence of such clinics despite previous raids pointed to gaps in sustained enforcement.
He said enforcement activities should be strategically strengthened, especially in areas with a high concentration of migrant workers, as vulnerable communities were often targeted.
“This is not about any particular group, but about protecting individuals who may be taken advantage of due to barriers such as cost, language, or lack of awareness of the healthcare system.
“Every person in Malaysia, regardless of nationality, deserves safe, ethical and lawful medical care. Firm inter-agency collaboration, regular inspections and decisive penalties are necessary to deter such dangerous activities,” he said.
He also advised the public to remain vigilant and to seek treatment only from registered practitioners and licensed healthcare facilities.
