Regulatory Challenges in Uplifting Traditional Malay Medicine in Malaysia

Abstract

Throughout the world, there is an increased level of awareness and acceptance of traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM) in enhancing health and general well-being. T&CM has become increasingly popular in Malaysia, with its rich and bountiful heritage of multi-ethnicity, multiculturalism, biodiversity and range of T&CM practices. The integration of T&CM including traditional Malay medicine (TMM) into the national health care system is geared for the future and it is our vision to see its co-existence and harmonisation with conventional medicine. The Malaysian Ministry of Health (MOH) has taken a proactive approach to ensure safe and good quality T&CM practices are being rendered to the public in order to facilitate its integration into the national health care system. The governance of T&CM industry covers the regulation of practices and practitioners, education and training as well as products and research. The gazettement of the T&CM Act 2016 [Act 775] on 1 August 2016 is one of the biggest catalysts for the development and professionalism of T&CM.  Since then, MOH persevered in facing various issues and challenges to uplift T&CM including the TMM. In this paper, I shared the challenges we are facing  as we implement the T&CM Act 2016 which include lack of education and training, inadequate qualified academic staff, lack of research data, and lack of understanding and prejudice towards the T&CM profession. In particular, my paper discussed how we could overcome the challenges in regulating TMM.  In conclusion,  I suggested various approaches that we should take to ensure safe and effective use of T&CM through feasible regulations of products, practices and practitioners.  With continuous and consistent efforts from all stakeholders, we hope to strengthen the delivery of national health care, by harmonizing T&CM with the conventional medical practice.