MMA urges clear directive on enforcement of medicine price display order

 The association says the High Court stay order remains in force following reports of officers requesting price lists from clinics.

The MMA said no compounds or enforcement action may be brought against private clinics and dentists under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering (Price Marking for Drug) Order 2025 until the court delivers its ruling. (AFP pic)

PETALING JAYA:

The Malaysian Medical Association has urged the health ministry and the domestic trade and cost of living ministry to issue clear instructions to enforcement officers nationwide on the medicine price display order.

MMA president Dr R Thirunavukarasu said the association had received reports of enforcement officers visiting general practitioners and dental clinics in several states and requesting medicine price lists.

This was despite the High Court granting a stay of the enforcement of the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering (Price Marking for Drug) Order 2025 pending the full disposal of judicial review applications filed by medical practitioner groups.

He pointed out that the government did not appeal against the stay order, meaning that it remains in force and no compound, prosecution or other enforcement action should be taken against private practitioners for non-compliance with the order while court proceedings are ongoing.

“(The stay) does not prevent the authorities from carrying out their lawful duties under other legislation,” he said in a statement today.

“However, inspections should not be used to enforce the medicine price display order, directly or indirectly.”

Thirunavukarasu said private medical and dental practitioners should not be subjected to confusion or anxiety because of differing interpretations at the state level.

He also advised practitioners to cooperate with lawful inspections, but to document and report any threatened compound or enforcement action specifically related to the medicine price display order to MMA. - FMT