Doctors with pending APC 2026 applications can continue working, says MMC, which apologised for processing delays due to a year-end surge.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) has permitted doctors to continue practising while their 2026 Annual Practicing Certificate (APC) applications are processed.
This follows a high volume of applications received at the end of last year, which has caused delays in issuing the certificates.
In a statement, the MMC said a circular was issued on January 3 regarding the matter.
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Any medical practitioner who submitted a complete application, made payment, and complied with all legal requirements before or on December 31, 2025, may practise without penalty until their certificate is issued.
This allowance applies provided the practitioner is not under any restriction, suspension, or prohibition under the Medical Act 1971.
For complete applications, the effective date of the APC is January 1, 2026, or the date of professional indemnity coverage, not the approval date.
The council apologised for the delay in processing and issuing the APC certificates this year.
It attributed the backlog to a sudden increase in applications, particularly those with supporting documents submitted late.
The MMC said it appreciates the patience of all medical practitioners and that the step was taken to guarantee the continuity of health services.
It added that appropriate improvement steps will be taken to ensure the issue does not recur.
Media reports today highlighted concerns from medical practitioners who had not received their APC certificates for this year despite submitting applications. – Bernama
