KUALA LUMPUR, May 4, 2025 – Malaysia’s Health Minister, Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad, has expressed satisfaction with the early compliance to the newly enforced Price Control and Anti-Profiteering (Price Marking for Drug) Order 2025, which came into effect on May 1. The initiative, designed to enhance transparency in drug pricing, is already being embraced by various private healthcare facilities and pharmacies across the country.
During a media briefing on the Lung Health Initiatives Malaysia 2025–2030, Dr. Dzulkefly shared that the Health Ministry’s current focus is on educating healthcare providers about the new rules. Importantly, no fines will be issued during the three-month grace period, allowing ample time for private clinics and pharmacies to understand and adjust to the requirements.
“The grace period is a chance for everyone to fully grasp the new rules and implement them properly,” he said, emphasizing the Ministry’s supportive approach. During recent visits to pharmacies and clinics, Dr. Dzulkefly observed several creative ways healthcare providers were already displaying medicine prices, including the use of QR codes.
Dr. Dzulkefly expressed his confidence that, with time, the initiative would gain widespread acceptance. “I believe that with further engagement, especially with general practitioners, we will see full compliance across the board.”
The new regulations mandate that all private healthcare facilities and community pharmacies clearly display the prices of medicines, whether on shelves, in catalogues, or through printed price lists, making it easier for consumers to make informed choices.
Looking ahead, the Health Minister also welcomed the recent decision by the Terengganu state government to ban the sale of vape products starting August 1. He praised the move as part of Malaysia’s broader efforts to curb the health risks associated with vaping, particularly among young people.
“We will continue to improve enforcement and regulation under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024,” he assured, reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to tackling public health challenges.
On the international stage, Malaysia is set to present its Lung Health Initiative at the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) in Geneva later this month. Dr. Dzulkefly revealed that 14 other countries, including global powers like Russia and China, have shown their support for Malaysia’s resolution, which aims to strengthen global efforts in preventing, screening, and treating lung diseases.
“We’ve had positive engagements, and countries as significant as Russia and China are backing us,” Dr. Dzulkefly shared. “We’re hopeful that our initiative will gain broad support at the WHA, where we aim to push for stronger global action on lung health.”
The WHA will convene from May 19 to 27, and Malaysia’s proposal is poised to be one of the key items on the agenda, with a focus on public awareness campaigns, smoking cessation, and the integration of artificial intelligence for better disease screening.
As the country takes these significant steps, both locally and internationally, the Health Minister’s commitment to improving public health remains clear—both in enhancing healthcare transparency and tackling pressing health issues such as lung diseases and vaping.
