KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has reminded medical graduates that using the title “Dr” does not give them the legal right to practise medicine, stressing that only those registered with the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) are authorised to provide medical advice or treatment.
MMA president Datuk Dr Thirunavukarasu Rajoo said while the MMC is the statutory regulator, the association felt it was important to provide clarity from a professional and ethical standpoint given rising public concern over the issue.
He said the misuse of medical titles in health-related settings, including social media, risked misleading the public into believing individuals were legitimate medical practitioners, particularly when they offer public health communications, advisories, endorsements or treatment.
“The academic title ‘Dr’ may be used by individuals who have completed a medical degree, but this does not confer the right to practise medicine or imply registration with the MMC,” he said in a statement today.
This was in response to a recent statement by MMC that medical graduates may use the title “doctor” to indicate their academic qualifications, even if they are not registered as medical practitioners with the body.
In today’s statement, Thirunavukarasu cited Section 33 of the Medical Act 1971, which makes it an offence for unregistered individuals to use titles, names or descriptions that could lead the public to believe they are qualified to practise medicine.
He urged the public to verify doctors’ credentials through the MMC website and to report those issuing healthcare opinions or services without proper registration.
MMA also called on medical graduates, media practitioners, product promoters and digital content creators to exercise responsibility and transparency when using professional titles in health contexts.
“MMA will continue to work with all stakeholders, including the MMC, to uphold the integrity of the profession and protect public confidence in the medical system,” he said.– December 31, 2025