The recent statements and promotional efforts by the leadership of Malaysian Pharmacists Society (MPS) advocating vaccination services and the sale of self-test kits at retail pharmacy counters have raised serious concerns regarding patient safety and legal compliance.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) has made it clear that the administration of vaccines by injection is a clinical procedure, reserved under existing laws for authorised and registered medical practitioners only.
As dedicated doctors, we speak not to compete, but to care, to protect our patients and safeguard the health of our community.
Key Legal And Safety Points
- Vaccination is a clinical act. It may only be performed by registered medical practitioners or persons lawfully authorised under the relevant Acts.
- Vaccines and most anti-influenza medicines are classified as Group B Poisons. They cannot be legally supplied over the counter without a valid prescription.
- Providing vaccination services without a valid licence, or supplying Group B Poisons without prescription, at community pharmacies may breach the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 (Act 586), the Poisons Act 1952 (Act 366), and the Medical Act 1971 (Act 50).
- To date, no influenza self-test kits have been approved by the Medical Device Authority (MDA). The sale of unapproved test kits is irresponsible and places patient safety at risk.
Practical Guidance For The Public: Your Safety Is The Highest Priority
- Always verify the vaccinator’s practising licence or registration. Do not rely on verbal assurances alone.
- Confirm that the premises are licensed to provide vaccination services. If unsure, decline and seek care at a registered clinic or licensed hospital.
- Never accept prescription-only medicines or vaccines without a valid prescription. Supplying such items without proper authorisation may be unlawful.
Accountability And Professional Responsibility
If any harm or unsatisfactory outcome arises from receiving vaccination, misinterpreting self-test results, or obtaining medical treatment at unqualified premises, the public is strongly urged to seek legal advice and report the incident to the Ministry of Health, Medical Device Authority, Pharmacy Enforcement Division, or other relevant regulatory bodies for investigation.
Pharmacies, pharmacists who administer vaccines or dispense prescription medicines without valid prescriptions, and any parties promoting practices beyond the professional scope of pharmacy should be subject to investigation and held accountable if found in breach of the law.
A clear and public apology is warranted from any organisation or individual whose statements may have misled the public about who is legally authorised to administer vaccines or prescribe medicines. This call for clarification and apology is not about assigning blame, but about taking responsibility, upholding accountability, restoring public trust, and maintaining confidence in the profession.
Always Talk To Your Doctor
Doctors are trained not only to prescribe medicines but to diagnose, assess, and prevent complications. When in doubt, consult your trusted doctor not the internet, and not an unapproved self-test kit.
Why This Matters: A Final, Firm Reminder
True progress in health care is not measured by speed or shortcuts, but by safety, compassion, and trust. Convenience should never take the place of competence, nor should access come at the expense of genuine care.
We are not against progress; we believe in progress with purpose, where every step forward protects patients and upholds the values of our profession. Because your health deserves more than what is easy. It deserves what is right: care, safety, and integrity.
This statement was issued by Private Medical Practitioners’ Association of Selangor and Kuala Lumpur (PMPASKL) president Dr Eugene Chooi.
- This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of CodeBlue.
