Putrajaya: The Health Ministry (MOH) has assured that the implementation of the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 (Act 723) is not intended to disrupt the operations of private medical practitioners, but to promote transparency and affordability in healthcare.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the ministry stated that the law, which mandates clear labeling of medicine prices at private healthcare facilities and community pharmacies, is part of efforts to build a more equitable and sustainable healthcare system. This clarification follows a peaceful protest by more than 300 general practitioners (GPs), who assembled near the Prime Minister’s Office in Putrajaya, dressed in black, to express their concerns.
The two-hour demonstration concluded with the submission of a memorandum opposing the enforcement of Act 723 on the medical profession. The memorandum was received by the Prime Minister’s senior private secretary, Aznur Hafeez Kaswuri. Among their demands, the GP community is urging for Act 723 to be reviewed, advocating for the regulation of medical practice to remain under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 (Act 586), which they believe already provides adequate oversight.
The Health Ministry emphasized its commitment to an open and inclusive approach, stating, “Engagement sessions with all stakeholders have been held and will continue, to ensure balanced implementation that does not unduly burden any party.” The protest saw participation from representatives of several professional bodies, including the Academy of Family Physicians of Malaysia, the Federation of Private Medical Practitioners Associations Malaysia, and the Malaysian Private Dental Practitioners Association.
The ministry expressed its willingness to review the contents of the memorandum and consider improvements to current policies based on evidence and data. However, it underscored that ensuring public access to affordable medicines remains a key priority. The price labeling initiative, enforced under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering (Price Marking for Drug) Order 2025, was implemented on May 1 as a joint effort by the Health Ministry and the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry.