logo
'Not a trophy, but a mandate': Health Minister to MMC

'Not a trophy, but a mandate': Health Minister to MMC

KUALA LUMPUR: Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad reminded newly elected members of the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) that their appointment is "not a trophy but a mandate to serve" and called for integrity in implementing reforms under the Medical Act.
In a statement following the announcement of the MMC's 2025–2028 membership, the minister congratulated the nine newly elected members but emphasised that the responsibility entrusted to them carries significant implications for the future of the medical profession and public safety.
"This is not about personal legacy. It is about protecting the future of the profession and the safety of our patients, the rakyat," he said in a posting on X.
Dzulkefly outlined three key priorities for the new council: to ensure the smooth and fair implementation of the Medical Act; to honour all recognised medical training pathways with transparency; and to strengthen public trust in the council's integrity.
"This is your call to action," he said, urging the members to uphold "excellence, inclusivity, and courage" in all decisions.
The MMC is the statutory body responsible for regulating medical practice in Malaysia, including the registration, education, and professional conduct of doctors. Its decisions shape the standards of care in both public and private healthcare sectors.
The newly elected members assume their roles at a time when the healthcare sector is undergoing policy reforms and increasing scrutiny, particularly in areas concerning training recognition, licensing pathways, and patient safety.
The Health Minister also expressed appreciation to members of the previous MMC term for their service and contributions.
He added that the performance of the new council will be closely monitored, stating, "Deliver. I am monitoring. Malaysia is watching."
The MMC term for 2025–2028 comes into effect as the profession faces evolving expectations from both practitioners and the public.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Health ministry mulls total vape ban
Health ministry mulls total vape ban

Daily Express

timean hour ago

  • Daily Express

Health ministry mulls total vape ban

Published on: Monday, July 28, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jul 28, 2025 By: Predeep Nambiar, Kim Osman, FMT Text Size: The health ministry is considering a total ban on the sale and use of vape and electronic cigarettes. Kuala Lumpur: The health ministry is considering a total ban on the sale and use of vape and electronic cigarettes, but says the move will require careful planning and coordination with key agencies. Speaking in the Dewan Rakyat today, Dzukelfy Ahmad said the move required the consideration of several issues, including legal implications, enforcement, and public health. 'A thorough study is currently underway to evaluate the effectiveness of current control measures and the need for a more comprehensive policy to protect the overall health of the public,' he said in response to Ahmad Saad Yahaya (PN-Pokok Sena). According to Dzulkefly, a special committee on e-cigarettes, chaired by senior health officials Ismuni Bohari and Lokman Hakim Sulaiman, met on July 22 to discuss stronger regulatory measures, including the possibility of a full ban. 'The committee also recommended studies to assess legal, industrial, government revenue, and licensing aspects in the event that a total ban on the sale and use of electronic cigarettes or vapes is pursued,' he said. The ministry will now consult the Attorney-General's Chambers and several other ministries to refine the proposed approach, he added. 'For now, the health ministry prioritises a strict regulatory approach to smoking products through the implementation of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024,' he said. Speaking at a press conference later, Dzulkefly clarified that the ministry would only proceed with the ban if it is recommended by the committee. 'They will propose evidence-based recommendations based on data, legal frameworks, and enforcement considerations. 'If a ban becomes our agenda, it will be guided by the committee's evidence-based proposals,' he said.

Health Ministry moving towards total ban on vape use and sales
Health Ministry moving towards total ban on vape use and sales

Sinar Daily

timean hour ago

  • Sinar Daily

Health Ministry moving towards total ban on vape use and sales

He welcomed the move by six states, which were Johor, Kelantan, Terengganu, Perlis, Kedah and Pahang to discontinue or refuse renewals for vape retail licenses. The Health Ministry is taking steps towards a complete ban on the use and sale of electronic cigarettes or vapes. -Photo by Bernama SHAH ALAM - The Health Ministry is taking steps towards a complete ban on the use and sale of electronic cigarettes or vapes, aiming for stronger measures to address health concerns. Malay daily newspaper Berita Harian reported that its minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the ban, which fell under the Federal Government's jurisdiction, must be implemented carefully, planned by considering legal, enforcement and public health factors. 'A thorough review is underway to evaluate the effectiveness of current controls and to determine whether more comprehensive policies are needed to protect public health,' he said during a question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat. Dr Dzulkefly was responding to Datuk Ahmad Saad (PN–Pokok Sena), who asked about the ministry's stance on several state governments that have stopped issuing licenses for vape businesses. He welcomed the move by six states, which were Johor, Kelantan, Terengganu, Perlis, Kedah and Pahang to discontinue or refuse renewals for vape retail licenses. "The ministry welcomes this decision as the authority to license business premises falls under the jurisdiction of local authorities within the state governments. "This approach also aligns with our aspiration to protect public health. However, the current control only involves banning the sale of smoking products at specific premises such as specialty stores and does not cover retail or convenience stores," he added. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad - Photo by Bernama According to him, for now the ministry is focusing on strict regulation of smoking products through the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), which covers product registration, advertising bans, sales restrictions and no-smoking zones. As part of enforcement efforts, the ministry will launch an integrated nationwide operation called Ops Selamat Paru-Paru (Ops Selamat PaPa) this Friday to ensure effective implementation of Act 852. 'We want Act 852 enforcement to go beyond license withdrawals, as done by the six states, because vape products are still widely accessible,' Dr Dzulkefly said.

MOH To Launch Op Selamat PaPa On Aug 1
MOH To Launch Op Selamat PaPa On Aug 1

Barnama

time2 hours ago

  • Barnama

MOH To Launch Op Selamat PaPa On Aug 1

KUALA LUMPUR, July 28 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Health (MOH) will launch the Op Selamat Paru-Paru (Op Selamat PaPa) on Aug 1 to strengthen enforcement of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), particularly involving electronic cigarettes or vape, the Dewan Rakyat was told today. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the operation not only aims to protect men, who make up the majority of smokers, but also women and other family members exposed to second-hand smoke or passive smoking. 'Data from the National Cancer Registry shows that 8,091 cases of lung cancer were recorded between 2022 and 2023, involving 5,251 men and 2,840 women,' he said when replying to a question from Datuk Ahmad Saad (PN-Pokok Sena). Dzulkefly said the MOH welcomes and supports the decision by several state governments not to renew licences for premises selling vape products. Replying to a supplementary question from Young Syefura Othman (PH-Bentong), he said the ministry is reviewing an immediate ban on the use of open systems that allow vape liquids to be modified or contaminated with illicit substances. 'As of June 2025, a total of 58 investigation papers have been opened, and nearly 70 per cent of them tested positive for illicit substances in vape liquids, including methamphetamine and synthetic cannabinoids,' he said. Dzulkefly told a press conference later that the ministry is studying in detail the move towards a total ban on the use and sale of vapes in Malaysia. 'Act 852 is a regulatory law and does not address the issue of prohibition, so if a ban is to be implemented, it must be based on a new proposal,' he said. He added that any proposal for a full ban would take into account various factors, including scientific evidence, Electronic Cigarette or Vaping Use-Associated Lung Injury (EVALI) cases, legal aspects, implications for industry and the economy, as well as enforcement effectiveness.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store