Addressing pharmaceutical waste
04 LOCAL NEWS
The HEALTH | March-April. 2025
Setting new regulations
FROM Mar 1 this year, the Traditional and Complementary Medicine Act 2016 [ Act 775 ] will come into full effect, aiming to regulate traditional and complementary medicine( T & CM) services across Malaysia to ensure the safety and well-being of the public.
The enforcement of Act 775 has already entered its third phase as of Aug 1, 2024, with the transition period concluding on Feb 28, 2025. Individuals found in violation of the provisions set forth by the Act may face legal repercussions, including fines and other penalties.
The Act recognises seven areas of practice, namely, Traditional Malay Medicine; Traditional Chinese Medicine; Traditional Indian Medicine; Homeopathy; Chiropractic;
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Osteopathy; and Islamic Medical Practices.
All T & CM practitioners operating within these recognised areas are required to register with the Traditional and Complementary Medicine Council established under the Act. This registration process ensures that practitioners meet the necessary qualification criteria and adhere to the mandatory practice standards.
Since the phased implementation of Act 775 began on Aug 1, 2016, the Traditional and Complementary Medicine Division( BPTK) has actively promoted various awareness initiatives targeted at both practitioners and the general public.
Publicity efforts have included exhibitions, informative talks, media interviews, and outreach
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through social media. Additionally, educational visits to practitioners have been conducted since 2010 to strengthen direct engagement.
As of Dec 31, 2024, a total of 40,096 practitioners have participated in briefing sessions regarding the registration and compliance requirements of the Act. While registration for T & CM practitioners in the recognised practice areas began on Mar 15, 2021, a transition period has been allowed until Feb 28, 2025. By the end of 2024, 14,047 practitioners had successfully registered with the T & CM Council.
The Ministry of Health( MoH) has emphasised that the enforcement of Act 775 is crucial for ensuring that T & CM services are provided safely and professionally. With these regulations, the MoH aims to:
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SAFE PRACTICES: Consumer protection is at the forefront as the Traditional and Complementary Medicine Act 2016 sets standards for safe and effective treatments.
Protect consumers from the risks of unsafe or ineffective T & CM services; 1. Protect consumers from the risks associated with unsafe or ineffective T & CM services.
2. Ensure that practitioners within recognised practice areas operate based on established competencies and standards.
3. Foster the development of a structured and integrity-driven T & CM industry.
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Focus on the digital revolution
THE National Medical Assistant Day 2025 Celebration Ceremony was officially opened on Mar 10 by Minister of Health Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, at the Perdana Auditorium, Tunku Azizah Hospital.
This year’ s event was themed‘ Digital Revolution: The Evolution of Smart Medical Assistants’, highlighting the vital role of Medical Assistants( MAs) in adapting to the ongoing digital transformation within Malaysia’ s health system.
As the nation undergoes rapid digitalisation, technology has become integral in enhancing service efficiency and improving patient care. The role of MAs is evolving; they are not only implementers of treatment but also key drivers of health innovation through the application of digital technologies.
To support the growth of over 25,000 MAs in Malaysia and align with the demands of the health system, the Ministry of Health( MoH) has intensified its training and recruitment efforts. In 2024, the Ministry welcomed 807 new trainees to the MoH Training Institute( ILKKM), with an additional 462 trainees recruited in the first session of 2025.
Moreover, 283 students are currently enrolled in the Diploma in Medical and Health Sciences programme at private institutions, reinforcing the country’ s commitment to developing high-quality MAs.
EMPOWER & EVOLVE: Celebrating the vital contributions of Medical Assistants and their evolution in a digital world
In a bid to enhance the professionalism and expertise of these professionals, the Ministry is also strengthening the“ Assistant Medical Officer Technical Expert”( AMOTeX) registration, which serves as a regulatory platform ensuring that skilled PPAs are retained within the Ministry’ s expertise services.
With the increasing responsibilities of MAs, the MoH is optimistic that Malaysia can emerge as a model for a more efficient, innovative, and globally competitive digital health system.
The event was attended by notable figures, including Director-General of Health Datuk Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan; Deputy Director-General of Health( Medical) Dato’ Indera Dr Nor Azimi Yunus; Deputy Director- General of Health( Public Health) Datuk Dr. Norhayati Rusli; and Chief Assistant Medical Officer of Malaysia Zulhelmi Abdullah, alongside senior officials from the MoH.
Addressing pharmaceutical waste
THE Alpro Foundation and Universiti Teknologi MARA( UiTM) have launched a collaboration to tackle the urgent issue of pharmaceutical waste disposal in Malaysia. Alarmingly, 67 per cent of Malaysians improperly discard expired medications, often contaminating vital water sources, with 99 per cent of domestic water derived from surface water.
A study by the Malaysian Ministry of Health( MoH) found that only 15 per cent of the population is aware of safe disposal methods. Pharmaceutical residues, including antibiotics, have been detected in 35 per cent of Malaysia’ s waterways, raising concerns for both public health and aquatic life.
The newly signed Memorandum of Agreement( MoA) outlines four key initiatives: 1. Research on Pharmaceutical
Waste. 2. Stakeholder Readiness
Assessment. 3. Development of Educational
Tools.
4. Community Awareness Campaigns. Since the launch of the Safe Medication Disposal Campaign in 2021, Alpro Foundation has made significant strides, including partnering with over 800 schools, collecting 100,000 pledges, and installing disposal bins in all 300 Alpro Pharmacy outlets.
In 2025, the Foundation aims to enhance its impact by conducting
KICKSTARTING CHANGE: Alpro Foundation and Universiti Teknologi MARA unite against pharmaceutical waste, paving the way for a healthier environment and community awareness
extensive data collection on pharmaceutical waste, engaging 350,000 individuals, and establishing the“ Little Red House” as an educational and disposal hub.
Alpro Foundation Chief Executive Officer Ostwin Paw stated:“ This MoA with UiTM marks a crucial step in protecting our environment and ensuring a healthier future.”
UiTM( Negeri Sembilan Branch) Rector Prof. Dato Dr Yamin Bin Yassin highlighted that this collaboration aligns with UiTM’ s commitment to community engagement and sustainability, aiming to drive meaningful change in pharmaceutical waste management.
As Alpro Foundation and UiTM embark on this vital initiative, they aim to foster a culture of responsible pharmaceutical waste disposal, ensuring the protection of Malaysia’ s environment and public health.