PETALING JAYA: Artificial intelligence tools may be useful for general health information, but they should not replace consultation with a qualified doctor or pharmacist, says the Health Ministry.
It said people should not solely rely on AI-generated advice to diagnose illnesses, or decide whether treatment is needed, or to purchase medicines.
“The ministry will continue to support public education on safe and responsible use of digital health information, encourage the public to refer to trusted ministry channels and qualified healthcare professionals.
“The ministry will also consider strengthening monitoring where AI-generated advice may have contributed to inappropriate self-medication or delayed care,” it said in response to queries from The Star.
Previously The Star reported that more Malaysians are turning to AI chatbots for health information – from checking symptoms and understanding medical reports to learning about medications and traditional remedies.
In the report, healthcare professionals welcomed the technology as a useful educational tool but cautioned that such information should not be mistaken for a diagnosis.
The ministry’s Pharmacy Enforcement Division said there had so far been no specific reports of serious adverse consequences involving people buying or using medicines based solely on recommendations generated by AI tools.
It had not received complaints involving serious outcomes including misdiagnosis, delayed treatment or adverse drug reactions.
However, it cautioned that the absence of reports should not be seen as proof that there was no risk.
The ministry said it was monitoring and screening medicine advertisements across print, electronic and digital platforms to ensure compliance with the law.
For digital platforms, the screening covers websites and social media platforms as well as e-commerce platforms.
The ministry said it was also working with relevant agencies and online platform operators to identify and remove listings that promote the sale of unregistered, adulterated or prescription medicines without proper authorisation.
It also said it conducts consumer awareness programmes to educate the public on the safe purchase of regulated products and the risks associated with unregistered pharmaceutical products and unnotified cosmetics sold online.
The ministry’s Tolak Ubat Tidak Sah campaign is one such programme – it aims to encourage consumers to make informed decisions when buying products through online platforms.
