PUTRAJAYA — Malaysia has officially registered its first specialist in genetic pathology, marking a significant breakthrough in the implementation of amendments to the Medical Act 1971.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the registration took place in November following the recognition and inclusion of Universiti Sains Malaysia’s Master of Pathology (Medical Genetics) programme into the Act’s Fourth Schedule.
He said the move effectively ends years of legal uncertainty, offering relief to graduates, universities and the wider healthcare system. Since taking office in late 2023, he prioritised fixing inconsistencies in specialist recognition and strengthening oversight of specialist training programmes.
Dzulkefly noted that amendments to the Act were approved in July 2024 and enforced through the Medical Regulations signed in July 2025 — the fastest reform carried out by the Health Ministry.
He said the changes establish a strong legal framework ensuring fair and transparent recognition for specialists trained through both the ministry’s Parallel Pathway and local university master’s programmes.
The minister added that the reform also enhances recognition for local postgraduate graduates, while allowing KKM to serve as an official training provider under Act A1729.
Earlier achievements include the registration of cardiothoracic surgeons from the Parallel Pathway and the introduction of a Pre-Gazettement Specialist Incentive of up to RM2,800.
He said these reforms align with the Health White Paper’s vision of a transparent and future-ready healthcare system, while congratulating the newly registered genetic pathology specialist.