KUALA LUMPUR — The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has urged the public to be vigilant against illegal health clinics, following crackdown on fake clinics and several arrests in the capital.
MMA president Datuk Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira said the public must report any illegal healthcare activities to the authorities without delay.
People must also seek healthcare services only from recognised and registered healthcare facilities to ensure safety and quality of care, he said in a statement today.
“MMA is deeply concerned by reports of 10 premises in Kuala Lumpur allegedly used by foreign nationals to illegally operate health clinics over the past year.
“It is alarming to learn that these so-called ‘clinics’ were stocked with unregistered medicines and fake medical equipment, while treatments were provided by unqualified individuals,” Kalwinder said.
All doctors practising in Malaysia must be registered with the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) and have a valid Annual Practicing Certificate (APC), he added.
All clinic premises must also comply with the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act (PHFSA) 1998, and must be registered with the Health Ministry’s Medical Practice Division.
Kalwinder commended the Health Ministry (MOH) and Immigration Department for taking action on several premises in Kuala Lumpur that were allegedly used by foreign nationals to illegally operate health clinics.
On Jan 23, ten Bangladeshi men were arrested during raids on unlicensed clinics operated by foreign doctors in Kuala Lumpur, including Jalan Tun Siew Sin, Leboh Pudu, and Jalan Silang.
Immigration Director-General Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said a syndicate, which has been operating for a year, offered medical treatment through unlicensed doctors. The activities were concealed behind eateries or grocery shops to evade detection.
Commenting on the raids, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the Immigration Department has uncovered fake medical certificates and unlicensed clinics used to secure medical visa applications for healthcare tourism in Malaysia.
He said this development comes as the medical tourism industry booms in Malaysia. – January 26, 2025