Recent public discussion regarding the use of a Chinese-language dengue monitoring card should be viewed through one clear lens — patient safety.
The issue reportedly arose after a Chinese-language dengue monitoring card was given at Klinik Kesihatan Setapak, leading to public concern and clarification by the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya Health Department.
The Department clarified that Bahasa Malaysia remains the official language used in patient monitoring records at government health facilities, while monitoring cards in several languages may be provided as a supporting communication initiative for patients and guardians where appropriate.
The material in question was a practical clinical aid intended to help patients and families recognise dengue warning signs and seek timely medical attention. It was not political in nature, nor should it be interpreted as a challenge to national identity. Its purpose was simple — to improve understanding, reduce delay, and protect lives.
In medical practice, communication is part of clinical responsibility. When patients are elderly, anxious, unwell, or unfamiliar with medical terminology, health care professionals must communicate in a way that patients can clearly understand. This is especially important in conditions such as dengue, where delayed recognition of warning signs may lead to serious consequences.
The Private Medical Practitioners’ Association of Selangor and Kuala Lumpur (PMPASKL) fully recognises and respects Bahasa Malaysia as the national language and an important unifying foundation of our country.
At the same time, Malaysia is a multilingual society. In real clinical practice, doctors and health care workers may, at times, need to explain health information in the language or dialect most clearly understood by the patient or family. This may include Bahasa Malaysia, English, Mandarin, Tamil, or other local languages and dialects, depending on the patient’s needs and the clinical setting.
Ensuring that patients understand health instructions does not weaken respect for the national language. It reflects competence, compassion, and sound risk management.
This view is consistent with comments by Jeremy Ang, a health policy contributor, who was reportedly directly involved in the drafting of the National Health Literacy Policy together with the Ministry of Health Malaysia and the World Health Organization (WHO). He has highlighted that multilingual clinic materials can support continuity of care and improve public understanding of health information.
Globally, multilingual health education materials are commonly used to improve health literacy, treatment adherence, continuity of care, and patient safety. Public health authorities, including international organisations, such as the WHO, routinely provide health information in multiple languages to reach diverse communities effectively.
Clinical judgment on patient communication should be guided by patient welfare, public health needs, and practical realities at the point of care. It should not be unnecessarily drawn into political or cultural dispute.
We support the principle expressed by Dr Lim Ren Jye that effective communication is an important component of good medical practice.
Patient safety must remain above all else. Health care professionals should be allowed to carry out their duties responsibly, professionally, and without unnecessary non-clinical interference.
Patient understanding saves time. Timely action saves lives.
This statement was issued by PMPASKL president Dr Eugene Chooi Yuo Hao.
- This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of CodeBlue.
