MALAYSIA’s Health Minister has confirmed that adherence to the new Price Control and Anti-Profiteering (Price Marking for Drug) Order 2025 has been satisfactory since its enforcement on 1 May.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the Ministry is currently focusing on educating private healthcare providers about the requirements, adding that no fines or compounds will be issued during the initial three-month grace period for non-compliance.
“The three-month grace period is intended to give all quarters time to better understand the requirements and how to properly implement the price display measures.
“During visits to three pharmacies and private clinics yesterday, I was shown various methods being used, including via QR (quick response) codes,” he said during a media briefing on the Lung Health Initiatives Malaysia 2025–2030.
He expressed confidence that the new rules would be embraced across the board.
“I believe everyone will eventually be on board. We will also engage with general practitioners to assist with compliance,” he added.
The new order requires all private healthcare facilities and community pharmacies to clearly display the prices of medicines being sold, whether on shelves, in catalogues, or in printed price lists.
Turning to developments in public health regulation, Dzulkefly welcomed the move by the Terengganu state government to ban the sale of vape products, which will come into force from 1 August.
He said the Health Ministry would continue to enhance enforcement and regulation of electronic cigarettes and vape products under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024.
Previously, the media reported that the Terengganu government is taking a proactive step to curb vape usage, especially among younger populations. State Local Government, Housing and Health Committee Chairman Datuk Wan Sukairi Wan Abdullah said the ban aimed to reduce health risks associated with vaping.
Malaysia to Table Lung Health Initiative Resolution at World Health Assembly
Separately, Malaysia will bring its Lung Health Initiative to the global stage at the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) in Geneva, Switzerland later this month.
Dr Dzulkefly said the country has secured support from 14 other nations for the resolution, including major powers such as Russia and China.
“We have engaged with them, and countries as large as Russia and China are with us in this resolution. When they saw our direction… they felt compelled to stand with Malaysia,” he said at the media briefing.
The initiative seeks to strengthen efforts in prevention, screening, treatment and control of lung-related diseases. Among the components of the programme are widespread public awareness campaigns on the dangers of smoking and second-hand smoke, as well as enhanced screening using artificial intelligence technology.
Dzulkefly expressed hope that Malaysia’s resolution would receive broad support when the WHA convenes from 19 to 27 May. - May 4, 2025
