THE Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has raised the alarm over the discovery of illegal clinics operating in Kuala Lumpur, where foreign nationals are alleged to have posed as qualified doctors while dispensing controlled medicines without proper registration.
The association warned that the cases exposed serious risks to patient safety and potential weaknesses in regulatory enforcement.
Its president, Datuk Dr Thirunavukarasu Rajoo, said the revelations were deeply troubling and underscored the dangers faced by unsuspecting patients seeking treatment from unlicensed practitioners.
“Patients risk misdiagnosis, inappropriate treatment, complications from unsafe procedures and exposure to counterfeit or improperly dispensed medications.
“Medical practice in Malaysia is strictly regulated to safeguard the public, and only doctors registered with the Malaysian Medical Council and holding a valid Annual Practising Certificate are legally permitted to practise,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Dr Thirunavukarasu called on the authorities to intensify surveillance and enforcement efforts to eradicate illegal healthcare operations, noting that the re-emergence of such clinics despite previous raids suggested shortcomings in sustained monitoring.
He said enforcement strategies should be strengthened in a targeted manner, particularly in areas with a high concentration of migrant workers, who may be especially vulnerable to exploitation.
“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.
“Every person in Malaysia, regardless of nationality, deserves safe, ethical and lawful medical care. Firm inter-agency collaboration, regular inspections and decisive penalties are necessary to deter such dangerous activities,” he said.
He also urged members of the public to exercise caution and to seek treatment only from registered medical practitioners operating in licensed healthcare facilities. - February 20, 2026
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