The Malaysian Medical Association urges stronger enforcement against illegal clinics in KL, citing grave patient safety risks from unqualified practitioners.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Medical Association has called for a decisive crackdown on illegal clinics operating in the capital. This follows recent raids where foreign nationals allegedly posed as doctors and dispensed controlled medicines.
MMA president Datuk Dr Thirunavukarasu Rajoo said the discovery of such activities in Kuala Lumpur was particularly shocking. He warned these unregulated practices endanger lives through misdiagnosis and unsafe treatments.
“These unscrupulous practices endanger lives. Patients risk misdiagnosis, inappropriate treatment, complications from unsafe procedures and exposure to counterfeit or improperly dispensed medications,” he said in a statement.
READ MORE: MMA alarmed over illegal clinics in KL
He stressed that only doctors registered with the Malaysian Medical Council and holding a valid Annual Practising Certificate are legally permitted to practise. The MMA urged authorities to intensify surveillance and enforcement to shut down these illegal operations.
Dr Thirunavukarasu noted the recurrence of such clinics points to gaps in sustained enforcement. He called for strategically strengthened activities, especially in areas with high migrant worker concentrations.
“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,” he said.
He emphasised that every person in Malaysia deserves safe and lawful medical care. Firm inter-agency collaboration, regular inspections and decisive penalties are necessary to deter such dangerous activities.
The public was also advised to remain vigilant and seek treatment only from registered practitioners. This follows media reports of the Immigration Department raiding nine illegal clinics along Jalan Tun Tan Siew Sin last week.
Some premises had reportedly resumed operations after earlier enforcement action. The hidden clinics were found selling smuggled controlled medicines, including antidepressants and antibiotics.
A total of 18 men were detained for alleged immigration offences during the raids. The Health Ministry is conducting separate investigations under the Sale of Drugs Act 1952.
