ALL private healthcare facilities and community pharmacies in Malaysia will be required to clearly display the prices of medicines beginning May 1, 202t5 under a new government initiative aimed at enhancing transparency and consumer choice.
The move, jointly announced by the Ministry of Health (KKM) and the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), falls under the newly introduced Price Control and Anti-Profiteering (Medicine Price Labelling) Order 2025, which is now in line with the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 [Act 723].
“The initiative is a key step in delivering the Government’s MADANI commitment to price transparency through the Medicine Price Transparency Mechanism (MKHU),” said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad and Domestic Trade Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali in a joint statement.
According to the government, this policy is designed to ensure that consumers are equipped to make informed decisions when purchasing medication by being able to compare prices and manage their healthcare expenses effectively.
Facilities covered by the new regulation include all private healthcare providers registered under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 [Act 586] that sell, supply, or administer medications, as well as all licensed community pharmacies.
The labelling requirements will apply to a comprehensive range of medicinal products for human use, including prescription medicines, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, traditional medicines, health supplements, and compounded preparations.
Medicines displayed for direct purchase must be individually labelled with visible price tags.
In cases where the medicine is stored behind the counter or is not accessible to consumers, facilities must provide a clearly presented price list.
This list may be displayed physically in the form of printed catalogues, notice boards, or electronically on digital screens within the premises.
The policy will be introduced with a three-month grace period from tomorrow (May 1) during which enforcement will adopt an educational and phased approach to allow providers time to comply.
“This phased educational enforcement is intended to be compassionate and effective, ensuring private healthcare facilities are given sufficient time to adapt and implement the necessary changes,” the joint statement said.
Inspections will be conducted periodically with a focus on advocacy and compliance, while full enforcement will be carried out by the Ministry of Health with support and guidance from the Ministry of Domestic Trade.
For further information, including a detailed FAQ, the public may visit the official Pharmaceutical Services Programme portal at [www.pharmacy.gov.my](https://www.pharmacy.gov.my). Enquiries can also be directed to [email protected].
Consumers wishing to report price-related concerns may do so via the following platforms:
- KKM’s Public Complaints Management System (SISPAA): [https://moh.spab.gov.my](https://moh.spab.gov.my)
- KPDN’s eAduan Portal: [https://eaduan.kpdn.gov.my](https://eaduan.kpdn.gov.my) - April 30, 2025
