MOH says only premises registered or licensed under Act 586 may provide healthcare services, with fines up to RM500,000.
PUTRAJAYA: Healthcare services must only be provided at premises registered or licensed under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 (Act 586), according to the Ministry of Health (MOH).
It said that providing healthcare services at unregistered or unlicensed premises constitutes an offence under Act 586 and may result in a fine of up to RM500,000, imprisonment of up to six years, or both.
“There has been an increase in complaints and enquiries regarding alleged treatment activities or healthcare services being carried out at unregistered or unlicensed premises, including those related to aesthetic medical services,” the MOH said in a statement today.
The MOH stressed that enforcement of Act 586 will be continuously strengthened through monitoring and investigations, including intelligence-based operations, as well as targeted enforcement actions in coordination with state health departments and relevant agencies.
Based on MOH data from 2021 to date, more than 1,020 complaints have been received regarding healthcare services conducted at unregistered or unlicensed premises, with the number increasing each year.
The increase in complaints also reflects growing public concern over the issue, particularly regarding the qualifications of individuals providing such services.
“Based on the complaints received, 320 raids have been conducted on unregistered or unlicensed premises. Of these, 126 investigation papers have been opened, 194 cases have been issued warnings and advisories, while 70 cases are being or have been brought to court for prosecution,” the MOH said.
The public and healthcare professionals are encouraged to channel information or complaints through official channels ([email protected]) to enable appropriate, evidence-based follow-up action.
It also hopes that the public will remain attentive to advisories and statements previously issued by the ministry regarding the provision of healthcare services at unregistered or unlicensed premises.
“The MOH would like to reiterate that patient and public safety, as well as the quality of healthcare services, remain top priorities and must be upheld by all parties,” it said.
