Memo to PM: Doctors protest regulatory overreach, fee freeze
The groups say that while they fully support transparency in medicine pricing, they strongly object to the use of the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering (Price Marking for Drugs) Order 2025, under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 (Act 723).
'Many queries were raised as to...
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The Star
7 days ago
- The Star
Legal review advised for drug pricing order to ensure compliance, says doctor
JOHOR BARU: The newly gazetted Price Control and Anti-Profiteering (Price Marking for Drugs) Order 2025 should be referred to the Attorney-General's Chambers for a comprehensive legal review before its enforcement, according to local medical practitioner Dr Boo Cheng Hau. Dr Boo emphasised that while the initiative aims to protect patients' rights by ensuring fair pricing of medicines and medical consultation fees, its legal foundation under current laws is questionable. "It is just to uphold the rights of patients, but the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 must be interpreted together with other existing laws such as the Consumer Protection Act 1999, the Medical Act 1971 and the Poisons Act 1952," he stated. This statement comes in response to Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Amirzan Mohd Ali's announcement in May about the formulation and gazetting of the new price control order under Section 10 of the 2011 Act, which mandates private hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies to display prices of medicines. Amirzan contended that the Act empowers the ministry to regulate prices of "goods and services" provided to consumers. However, Dr Boo, a former Skudai assemblyman and current DAP Taman Ungku Tun Aminah branch publicity secretary, argued that this interpretation might exceed the ministry's jurisdiction. He cited Section 2(2)(f) of the Consumer Protection Act 1999, noting that healthcare and other professional services are explicitly exempted from consumer law, as they are regulated under separate professional legislation. "Although Section 4 and Section 5 of the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act do give the ministry powers to set maximum and minimum prices, medical charges fall under the jurisdiction of the Health Ministry via the Medical Act 1971 and the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998," Dr Boo explained. He further noted that the sale, licensing, and regulation of medicines are governed by the Poisons Act 1952, the Sale of Drugs Act 1952, and the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984, all under the Health Ministry's purview. "The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry does not have the technical expertise, authority or jurisdiction to regulate pharmaceutical licensing or pricing. These responsibilities lie solely with the Health Ministry," he asserted. Dr Boo urged that the Cabinet should ensure laws are not interpreted unilaterally by ministers and should seek clarification from the Attorney-General's Chambers to ensure lawful enforcement and coordination between ministries. He warned that poor legal coordination could lead to enforcement issues, confusion, and exploitation in the healthcare sector, despite the government's commendable intention to protect patients' rights. Dr Boo highlighted inconsistencies in pharmaceutical pricing, with complaints about private hospitals charging significantly more than chain pharmacies, which sometimes sell drugs at up to 75% below typical market rates. He also raised concerns about pharmacies offering consultations outside their licensed scope and tampering with prescriptions, causing complications for patients. Dr Boo concluded that a clear legal framework is essential for regulating the health sector, stressing the need for better coordination among doctors, pharmacists, and paramedics to prevent profiteering, protect patients' rights, and uphold the ethical standards of the medical profession.
The Star
15-07-2025
- The Star
Brunei Sultan announces landmark reforms and digital transformation on 79th birthday
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah noted that Brunei is now actively implementing priority initiatives under the three blueprints of Vision Brunei 2035. These blueprints – the Human Resource, Social, and Economic blueprints – are expected to bring about significant impact, particularly in ensuring the continued well-being of the people and residents of Brunei. This was underscored in his speech, delivered in conjunction with his 79th birthday celebration at Balai Singgahsana Indera Buana, Istana Nurul Iman, on Tuesday (July 15). 'In this new era filled with challenges, it is very important for us to examine and adapt our methods and work approaches in line with the changing social landscape and current needs,' His Majesty said. In this regard, the Government has introduced several improvements to existing policies and legislation. Among them is the Land Code (Amendment) Order 2025, which His Majesty has approved to come into effect on 1 August 2025. The amendment aims to improve and simplify the land ownership process for citizens and several categories of residents in Brunei Darussalam, including those with 'stateless' status. The Government is also drafting the Digital Brunei Transformation Plan, which will highlight the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across multiple sectors as part of the country's transformation agenda. In addition, His Majesty has given consent for the Personal Data Protection Order 2025, which will come into force on 1 January 2026. The order is intended to prevent the risk of data misuse and any form of cyber threats, thereby protecting the interests of the people and residents of the nation. 'From an economic perspective, our Government has also expanded the implementation of the Employment (Minimum Wage) Order to seven additional industries, starting on 1 April 2025,' His Majesty added. These sectors include Banking and Finance; Technology and Info-Communications (ICT); Securities; Tourism and Accommodation; Architecture, Professional Engineering, Quantity and Land Surveying; Medicine and Dentistry; and Private Higher Education. Meanwhile, skills development will continue to be enhanced through the introduction of sixteen new courses under the SkillPlus Programme, tailored to meet the needs of the current market and industry demands. His Majesty expressed hope that Brunei's youth will seize this opportunity to progress, acquire new skills, and become resilient future leaders. The monarch also conveyed his deepest appreciation and gratitude to all levels of society – the general public, civil servants, members of the security forces, and those working in the private sector, including Bruneians serving abroad – for their contributions and continued support to the government. His Majesty further acknowledged the efforts and services of all members of the National and District-level Celebration Committees in ensuring the success of the birthday festivities. 'I pray that Allah Subhanahu Wata'ala will continue to shower His blessings upon all the people whom I love dearly, and that Brunei Darussalam will remain blessed, peaceful, and prosperous under the protection of Allah Subhanahu Wata'ala,' His Majesty said. His Majesty also expressed sincere gratitude and appreciation to all parties who had sent congratulatory messages to him and the royal family in conjunction with the celebration. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
The Star
12-07-2025
- The Star
I accept criticism as a challenge, not an attack, says Dzulkefly
PETALING JAYA: I accept criticism as a challenge and not as an attack, says Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. One and a half years after returning to the post of Health Minister, he said holding such a position was not a privilege but instead a heavy mandate. Throughout the first six months of 2025, Dzulkefly said the ministry had achieved several milestones. Among others, this includes amending the Medical Act 1971 to resolve specialist recognition issues, enforcing the Control Of Smoking Products For Public Health Act (Act 852) and implementing the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 requiring medicine prices to be displayed at private healthcare facilities and community pharmacies. He said the ministry has also pioneered reforms towards healthcare financing through the RESET programme together with the Finance Ministry and Bank Negara. This was carried out as a solution towards medical inflation. Between shaping up or shipping out, I choose to shape up… not with slogans but with my work. 'I believe that systemic reforms are more important than building a perception. 'I cannot promise that everything will be resolved immediately, but I can promise that we listen, act and will never stay quiet,' he said. Dr Dzulkefly issued this statement in response to criticism levelled against him, as Health Minister. Upon returning to the post for a second stint in late 2023, he revealed that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had wanted him to complete his 'unfinished business'. He was previously Health Minister during the 22-month Pakatan Harapan administration.
