PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) cautioned that using the title \u201cDr\u201d must not mislead the public into thinking a person is legally qualified to practise medicine.<\/p>\n
Its president Datuk Dr Thirunavukarasu Rajoo said the association was concerned that misusing medical titles could undermine public trust and put patient safety at risk, particularly when health-related information is widely shared online.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile the academic title \u2018Dr\u2019 may be used by individuals who have completed a medical degree, this does not give them the right to practise medicine or mean they are registered with the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC),\u201d he said in a statement Monday (Dec 29).<\/p>\n
The association noted the MMC\u2019s recent clarification that not all medical graduates are allowed to practise, even if they hold a medical degree.<\/p>\n
Dr Thirunavukarasu said that under Section 33 of the Medical Act 1971, it is an offence for anyone who is not registered or exempted to use titles or descriptions that could mislead the public into believing they are authorised to practise medicine or surgery.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn simpler terms, the issue is not the title itself, but the context in which it is used,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He added that problems arise when unregistered individuals use the title \u201cDr\u201d in medical or health-related settings, whether in person or online, particularly when giving health advice, endorsements or treatment.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis creates a real risk of the public being misled into believing that these individuals are legally registered doctors. Such unlawful actions can potentially cause harm,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The MMA also echoed the MMC\u2019s advise for the public to verify a doctor\u2019s registration status through the council\u2019s official website.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe public has the right to report to the relevant authorities those who provide healthcare opinions, advice or services without being registered and licensed to practise in Malaysia,\u201d Dr Thirunavukarasu said.<\/p>\n
He urged medical graduates, media practitioners, product promoters and digital content creators to exercise responsibility, transparency and ethical judgement when using professional titles in health-related contexts.<\/p>\n
\u201cMMA will continue to work closely with all stakeholders, including the MMC, to uphold the integrity of the profession and protect public confidence in the medical system,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
The MMC clarified that using the title \u201cDr\u201d does not grant the right to practise medicine in Malaysia; registration with the council and a valid Annual Practising Certificate (APC) are required.<\/p>\n
MMC president Datuk Dr Mahathar Abd Wahab said individuals who have completed recognised medical degree programmes may use the title as an academic designation, but this does not mean they are registered medical practitioners.<\/p>\n
He added that the title \u201cDr\u201d is not exclusive to doctors, and is also used by dentists, veterinarians and holders of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees.<\/p>\n
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