KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 12 — Just over half of private healthcare facilities in Malaysia have complied with the new requirement to display medicine prices, according to Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni.
Lukanisman said a Health Ministry (MOH) evaluation of 1,639 private healthcare facilities nationwide found that as of July 31, 55 per cent (900 facilities) met standards under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering (Price Labelling for Medicines) Order 2025, while 45 per cent (739 facilities) fell short.
“The government implemented a three-month educational and advisory enforcement period ending July 31, 2025, to give clinics, private hospitals and community pharmacies time to adjust,” he said, adding that no penalties were issued during this time.
Lukanisman was responding to a question posed by Kuala Langat MP Dr Ahmad Yunus Hairi during Minister’s Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat today.
The order, enforced May 1 under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011, aims to improve public access to medicine prices, enabling patients to make informed choices and seek competitive options.
From August 1 to December 31, administrative enforcement will take place, with reminder notices for non-compliance.
Compounds for repeat offences will be introduced from October 1, and full enforcement will begin on January 1, 2026.
Lukanisman said follow-up measures would include enhanced monitoring, additional guidance sessions and phased enforcement.
The MOH will also conduct a nationwide medicine price monitoring survey from September to gauge the policy’s impact and guide long-term improvements in price transparency.
On broader healthcare costs, Lukanisman said the ministry recognises the role of general practitioners, especially in Selangor, where there are over 3,000 clinics, and is reviewing consultation fees under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998.
