Illegal medical services pose growing threat to public health, says MCA

SHAH ALAM — The growing number of complaints involving illegal healthcare providers and unlicensed aesthetic treatment centres has emerged as a serious public health concern, with MCA calling for stronger enforcement measures to protect consumers from potentially life-threatening risks.

MCA deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon said illegal medical and aesthetic services not only jeopardise the health and safety of consumers but also threaten public confidence in Malaysia's healthcare system.

He cited Health Ministry data showing that more than 1,020 complaints involving healthcare services provided by unregistered or unlicensed premises have been recorded since 2021, while complaints related to aesthetic medical services continue to increase each year.

"Such services not only endanger consumers' health and safety, but also undermine public confidence in the country's healthcare system," he said in a statement.

Mah said the rising number of complaints indicates that some operators continue to exploit regulatory gaps despite existing laws and ongoing enforcement efforts.

Under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 (Act 586), all healthcare services must be provided through registered or licensed premises. Violators face penalties of up to RM500,000 in fines, six years' imprisonment, or both.

He noted that the Health Ministry has conducted 320 enforcement raids and prosecuted 70 cases to date, underscoring both the scale of the problem and the need for sustained vigilance.

Among MCA's key proposals is a more robust public education campaign to raise awareness of the dangers posed by unlicensed healthcare providers.

Mah said many consumers, particularly younger people, are often drawn to aggressive social media promotions, online advertisements and lower-cost treatment packages without first verifying the qualifications or licensing status of service providers.

"The Health Ministry should work closely with the media, schools, community organisations and professional bodies to conduct regular awareness campaigns on the risks associated with unlicensed healthcare services," he said.

He warned that treatment administered by unqualified practitioners could result in serious consequences, including infections, permanent disfigurement, long-term health complications and, in extreme cases, death.

Mah also called for a more comprehensive and user-friendly licence verification system that would enable the public to quickly determine whether clinics, healthcare facilities, aesthetic centres and practitioners are properly licensed.

"In the digital era, consumers should be able to easily verify the credentials of healthcare providers through official websites or mobile applications," he said.

He proposed upgrading existing platforms and introducing QR code verification systems that would allow consumers to instantly confirm licences before undergoing treatment.

At the same time, Mah urged authorities to intensify enforcement efforts by targeting high-risk locations and premises that repeatedly attract complaints.

He said tougher action should be taken against repeat offenders, including publicly naming violators in addition to imposing fines and pursuing legal action.

"Public disclosure could serve as a strong deterrent while also helping consumers avoid illegal operators," he said.

Mah further stressed the importance of greater inter-agency cooperation, noting that many illegal healthcare and aesthetic service providers operate through online platforms and across multiple jurisdictions.

He said closer collaboration between the Health Ministry, local authorities, the police, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), and the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry would strengthen enforcement efforts.

"Information-sharing and joint operations should be enhanced. Cooperation with social media and e-commerce platforms is also essential to identify and remove illegal advertisements before they reach a wider audience," he said.

Mah also highlighted the critical role of public participation in identifying illegal healthcare activities.

He urged the government to provide more accessible reporting channels, including hotlines, mobile applications and online portals, while ensuring strong protections for whistleblowers.

"Strict confidentiality must be guaranteed to protect individuals who report illegal activities from retaliation. The government may also consider incentive mechanisms to encourage greater public participation," he said.

Mah said tackling illegal medical services requires a collective effort involving regulators, industry stakeholders and the public.

"Only through the collective efforts of the government, industry stakeholders and the public can illegal medical activities be effectively curbed and consumer health and safety adequately protected," he added.