Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) has announced a temporary measure allowing medical practitioners who submitted complete applications for the 2026 Annual Practicing Certificate (APC) by December 31 to continue practicing, despite not yet receiving their certificates. This decision comes as a relief to many practitioners concerned about potential disruptions to their ability to provide medical services.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the MMC issued a circular addressing the delay, explaining that a significant number of applications are still being processed. The council clarified that any practitioner who has fulfilled the application requirements, made the necessary payment, and complied with Section 20 of the Medical Act 1971 and Regulation 28 of the Medical Regulations 2017 by the end of 2025 is permitted to practice until their APC certificate is issued. This allowance is contingent on the practitioner not being subject to any restrictions or prohibitions under other provisions of the Medical Act 1971.

The MMC further detailed that for applications deemed complete and compliant, the APC's effective date would be January 1, or in line with the date of professional indemnity coverage, irrespective of when approval is granted or the certificate is issued. The council also expressed regret over the processing delays, attributing them to a surge in applications at the end of the previous year, particularly those with delayed supporting documents.

The council extended its gratitude to medical practitioners for their patience and cooperation, emphasizing its commitment to maintaining uninterrupted health services. The MMC also pledged to implement measures to prevent similar issues in the future. Recent media reports have highlighted the concerns of medical practitioners over the delayed issuance of APC certificates, even after timely application submissions.