t&cmd annual report 2017 page...

T&CMD ANNUAL REPORT 2017


LIST OF CONTENTS

Page 1. Editorial Committee 3

2. Message from the Director 4

3. Corporate Profile

3.1 Vision, Mission & Corporate Policy

3.2 Client Charter

3.3 Organizational Chart

6

7

8

4. Management & Finance Section

4.1 Human Resource

4.2 Financial Report

4.3 Information Technology Management

4.4 Excellent Service Awards 2016

9

13

15

17

5. Activities 18

6. Achievements 51

7. Milestones 58

8. Recipients Of Scholarships by T&CM Division Staff 63

9. Participation of Courses Abroad 65


1. EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Advisor:

Dr. Goh Cheng Soon

Editors: Mrs. Catherine Benedict

Dr. Farhana Binti Abdul Aziz Mr. Kamarul Azhar B. Dato’ Kamaruddin

Dr. Mohd Naufal Bin Ridzuan Dr. Nurhidayah Binti Md Almi

Ms. Yeoh Suang Meng Mrs. Rasidah Binti Mohd Rosly

Mr. Mohd Faizal Bin Zaini

Reviewer: Mrs. Catherine Benedict

Dr. Farhana Binti Abdul Aziz Mrs. Chai Lan Yin

Article Contributors:

Dr. Adilla Nur Halim Mrs. Chua Yau Li

Dr. Dyanan Puvanandaran Mrs. E Mei Hooi

Dr. Girijah Nagenthiran Dr. Karena Khalid

Dr. Kavitha Purushotaman Ms. Lim Wai Yee

Ms Ng Angeline Ms. Ng Suk Kuan

Dr. Sharifah Firyelhana Syed Abdul Rahman Dr. Tajul Iqmal Tajul Arus

Dr.Tharumaningam M. Muthiah Ms. Wong Meng Xian

Dr. Wong Pi Ying

Graphic Designer

Mr. Mohd. Kamal Bin Ramly


2. MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR

I would like to express great appreciation and heartiest

congratulations to all the staff of the Traditional and

Complementary Medicine Division (T&CMD) on the success

of publishing the Annual Report of the T&CMD for 2017. The

year 2017 was an important and very meaningful year for

this Division. This was because we had made important

milestones in the progress of Traditional and Complementary

Medicine (T&CM) in Malaysia.

Throughout 2017, numerous efforts had been undertaken to enforce the T&CM Act 2016

(Act 775) in phases. The T&CM Council was established and its very first meeting convened

on 16th January 2017. The meeting was presided by The Honourable Datuk Dr. Noor

Hisham bin Abdullah, Director-General of Health.

Two orders were also successfully published in the Gazette on 28th July 2017, of which the

T&CM Order (Recognized Practice Area) 2017 and the T&CM Order (Designated

Practitioner Body) 2017. Both orders were enforced on 1st August 2017.

Another important and remarkable milestone for this Division in developing T&CM is the

formulation of T&CM Master Plan. It was one of the Key Performance Indicators (KPI) for

The Honourable Health Minister in 2017. The culmination of this commitment and effort

has successfully led to the publication of the T&CM Blueprint 2018-2027 (Health Care).

T&CMD will continue developing the T&CM Blueprint 2018-2027 (Economic & Social

Culture) in 2018.


In 2017, pilot project on Varmam therapy had been initiated with the deputation of a

Siddha practitioner through the cooperation and bilateral relations between the Malaysian

and Indian Government in the field of T&CM.

Following the gazettement and enforcement of T&CM Act 2016, T&CMD has supported the

development of T&CM Policy and Regulation in other ASEAN member countries. For

example, we were invited by the World Health Organization (WHO) to help and support the

development of a sub decree on traditional medicine practitioners in Cambodia.

As you read the report, I hope you will gain insight into the breadth and depth of our

activities. I aspire that this report is an inspiration for us to continuously improve T&CM in

Malaysia.

T&CMD is proud to have a team of dedicated and committed staff, who contribute

substantial and relevant input to sustain us. With the ongoing support, I am sure all of us

from the T&CMD are ready for the challenges and accomplishments ahead in 2018.

My sincerest gratitude and looking forward to another amazing year at T&CMD.

Dr. Goh Cheng Soon,

Director,

Traditional & Complementary Medicine Division,

Ministry of Health.


3. CORPORATE PROFILE

3.1 VISION, MISSION & CORPORATE POLICY

VISION

• The Traditional & Complementary Medicine Division is committed to becoming a centre of excellence in Traditional

and Complementary Medicine

MISSION

• The Traditional & Complementary Medicine Division will ensure safe and quality Traditional and Complementary

Medicine for the well-being of the people

POLICY

• The Traditional & Complementary Medicine Division is committed in adhering to law enforcement,

regulations and to meet the requirements of our customers. There will be constant implementation of improvement in quality management to ensure that

the control systems and standard practice of Traditional and Complementary Medicine is

implemented efficiently and effectively


3.2 CLIENT CHARTER

Issuing supporting letters to foreign T&CM practitioners within 14

days of receiving the completed application

Ensuring that the needs of 7 days of training for

all members of the T&CM Division will be met each

year

Managing payment of supplies and services within 14 days from receipt of completed

invoice

This Division is determined, committed and always strives to provide excellent

service to every customer by:


3.3 ORGANISATION CHART

TRADITIONAL AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE DIVISION, MINISTRY OF HEALTH

POLICY & DEVELOPMENT

SECTION

MANAGEMENT & TRAINING

SECTION

T&CM PRACTICE SECTION

INSPECTORATE & ENFORCEMENT

SECTION

SECRETARIAT OF T&CM COUNCIL

DEVELOPMENT UNIT

POLICY &

INTERNATIONAL

RELATION UNIT

ADMINISTRATION UNIT

FINANCE UNIT

TRAINING UNIT

INFORMATION

TECHNOLOGY

UNIT

PRACTICE

ASSESSMENT UNIT

PRACTICE

DEVELOPMENT UNIT

REGISTRATION UNIT

DISCIPLINARY & ETHICAL UNIT

STANDARDS &

ACCREDITATION

UNIT

LEGISLATION &

PROSECUTION

UNIT

COMPLAINT &

INVESTIGATION

UNIT

OPERATIONS &

INTELLIGENCE UNIT

DIRECTOR


4. MANAGEMENT & FINANCE SECTION

4.1 Human Resource

i) For the year 2017, a total of 55 (90.16%) out of 61 positions were filled as shown in

Table 1.

Table 1: List of Positions in T&CM Division for 2017

No. Position Grade of post No. of

position

provided

No. of

posts

occupied

Vacant

posts

% of

posts

occupied

1. Director 54 1 1 0 100%

2. - Medical Officer

- Pharmacist

-Administrative

Diplomatic Officer

UD43-54/UF41-

UF54/M41-44

1 1 0 100%

3. - Medical Officer

- Pharmacist

UD43-54/UF41-

UF54

27 24 3 88.88%

4. Pharmacist UF41-54 13 10 3 76.92%

5. Information

Technology Officer

F 41/44 1 1 0 100%

6. Assistant Information

Technology Officer

FA 29 1 1 0 100%

7. Executive Officer N29/32 2 2 0 100%

8. Office Secretary N19/22/27/29/32 1 1 0 100%

9. Administrative

Assistant (Finance)

W19/22 1 1 0 100%

10. Administrative

Assistant

(Clerical/Operation)

N19/N22 10 10 0 100%

11. General Assistant N11/14 1 1 0 100%

12. Driver H11/14 2 2 0 100%

TOTAL 61 55 6


ii) Staff Recruitment

In 2017, a total of 10 new officers joined the Division as listed in Table 2.

Table 2: List of New Officers in T&CM Division for 2017

NO. Name Grade Previous

designation

Current

placement

Effective

date

1. Dr. Nanthini Rajoo UD48 Kuala Lumpur

Hospital

T&CM Practice

Section

06.02.2017

2. Mrs. Noor Baizura Binti

Baharom

N19 Malaysian

Medical Council

Management &

Training Section

18.05.2017

3. Mr. Kamarul Azhar Bin

Kamaruddin

UF48 Medical

Development

Division

Management &

Training Section

22.05.2017

4. Mrs. Suraya Hani Binti

Sharon

UF48 State Health

Department Of

Johor

T&CM Practice

Section

22.05.2017

5. Dr. Girijah Negenthiran UD48 Institute for

Health

Management

Secretariat of

T&CM Council

10.07.2017

6. Dr. Teo Chiah Shean UD48 Training

Management

Division

Policy &

Development

Section

12.07.2017

7. Mr. Mohd Ridzuan Bin Ali UF52 Health

Department of

the Federal

Territory of

Kuala Lumpur

Inspectorate &

Enforcement

Section

12.09.2017

8. Dr. Gan Fen Fang UD48 Maternal & Child

Health Clinic,

Parit Buntar,

Perak

T&CM Practice

Section

23.10.2017

9. Mrs. Catherine Benedict UF48 Gombak Health

District Office

Inspectorate &

Enforcement

Section

06.11.2017

10. Mr. Ahmad Saniy Aiman

Bin Mohd Shokry

N11 New

Recruitment

Management &

Training Section

19.12.2017


iii) Staff Movement

In 2017, a total of eight staff had requested to transfer out with justification, one staff

resigned due to personal commitment and two staff retired as listed in Tables 3, 4 and 5

respectively.

Table 3: List of staff transferred out from T&CM Division in 2017

No. Name Post From To Date

1. Ms. Aslida Bt

Safian

UF41 Inspectorate

&

Enforcement

Section

State Health

Department of

Kelantan

02.02.2017

2. Dr. Ali Noor Bin

Hassan

UD54 T&CM

Practice

Section

State Health

Department of

Selangor

15.02.2017

3. Dr. Aidatul Azura

Binti Abdul Rani

UD54 T&CM

Practice

Section

Medical

Development

Division

03.04.2017

4. Mr. Mohd Zulkifli

Bin Ismail

N19 Management

& Training

Section

State Health

Department of

Kelantan

24.04.2017

5. Mrs. Tan Yee

Koon

UF48 Secretariat of

T&CM Council

Sultanah

Bahiyah

Hospital, Alor

Setar Kedah

05.06.2017

6. Mr. Teh Teo

Meng

UF48 Management

& Training

Section

Jitra Hospital,

Kedah

05.06.2017

7. Dr. Dang Siew

Bing

UD54 Management

& Training

Section

Sungai Buloh

Hospital

16.10.2017

8. Mrs. Tan Hooi

Tien

UF48 Inspectorate

&

Enforcement

Section

National

Pharmaceutical

Regulatory

Agency (NPRA)

27.10.2017


Table 4: Staff Resigned in 2017

Name Post From Date

Dr. Nanthini Rajoo UD48 T&CM Practice Section 31.07.2017

Table 5: Number of Staff Retired in 2017

No. Name Post From Date

1. Dr. Maznah Binti Wazir UD54 T&CM Practice

Section

01.04.2017

2. Mr. Tan Kee Leong UF54 Inspectorate &

Enforcement

Section

31.06.2017


4.2 Financial Report

The Finance Unit is responsible for managing all matters related to finance and accounts in

accordance to the treasury circulars and rules set by the Government. It ensures that all

budget allocations from the Finance Department, Ministry of Health is used wisely and

properly based on the planned activities.

Allocation and Expenditure

Table 6: Summary of the Allocation and Expenditure for the Year 2017

Type of Allocation Category Allocation (RM) Expenditure (RM)

Operating Supply & Services 3,386,500.00 3,218,248.46

Asset - -

ISO 6,254 6,254

Development Training 100,000.00 98,623.99

Bill Payment Performance

In line with the circulars and policies from the Ministry of Finance, this Division has aimed

to complete payment within 14 days upon receiving the completed invoice and related

documents. In 2017, the Division had received a total of 697 bills, and all payments were

successfully completed in less than 14 days as shown in table 7.

Table 7: Summary of Bill Payment Performance for the Year 2017

Number of Days Number of Bills Percentage (%)

Less than 7 days 678 97.3

8-14 days 19 2.7

More than 14 days 0 0

Total 697 100.00


Revenue Collection

For those foreign practitioners who wish to practise in Malaysia, RM200 processing fees

will be charged for the application of a supporting letter to facilitate them applying for

work permit from Immigration Department.

Total collected revenue for T&CMD in 2017 was RM 17,600.00 as depicted in table 8.

Table 8: Collected Revenue for the Year 2017

Types of Payment Revenue Code Total

Year 2016 Year 2017

Foreign Practitioner

Supporting Letter

Processing Fee

72409 RM 19,600.00 RM 17,600.00


4.3 Information Technology Management

The official portal of T&CMD was given a brand new look on 26th October 2017. It was

developed by the Information Technology Unit with a more informative and user-friendly

interface that is accessible via mobile devices. The purpose of this portal development is to

channel T&CM related information to the public.

T&CMD will continue to improve the website and provide updated information to the

public on all matters related to T&CM.

T&CMD portal QR Code


T&CMD Portal desktop view T&CMD Portal desktop view

T&CMD Portal mobile view


4.4 Excellent Service Awards 2016

The Excellent Service Awards Ceremony 2016 was held by the Ministry of Health on the

26th May 2017. T&CMD congratulates those staff who had received the Excellent Service

Award for their numerous contributions and dedication in service.

Dr. Chai Koh Meow Principal Assistant Director

UD48

Tan Yee Koon Principal Assistant Director

UF48

Lim Wai Yee Principal Assistant Director

UF48

Mohd Afendy bin BaharuddinAdministrative Assistant (P/O)

N19


5.0 ACTIVITIES

Book Presentation Ceremony for A Century of Traditional Chinese Medicine 1912-

2015

Date : 17th January 2017

Venue : Ministry of Health Meeting Room, Block C Jalan Cenderasari, Kuala Lumpur

On 17th January 2017, a book presentation ceremony for A Century of Traditional Chinese

Medicine 1912-2015 was held in Kuala Lumpur in the presence of the Director-General of

Health Malaysia. The purpose of the event was to hand over a copy of the publication to the

key contributors which have collaborated together to write Chapter 4: Development of

Traditional Chinese Medicine in Malaysia. The contributors are T&CMD, Federation of

Chinese Physicians and Acupuncturists Associations of Malaysia (FCPAAM), Federation of

Chinese Physicians and Medicine-Dealers Associations of Malaysia (FCPMDAM) and

Malaysian Chinese Medical Association (MCMA).

This book was published on 22nd July 2016 by the China Academy of Chinese Medical

Sciences (CACMS) and had received positive reviews from the scientific and research

community in the People's Republic of China. This book contained details of the history,

stages of development and the achievement of traditional Chinese medicine in China and

around the world since the last century.


Copies of A Century of Traditional Chinese Medicine 1912-2015 was presented by the Director-General of Health to representatives from T&CMD, FCPAAM, FCPMDAM dan MCMA

Deputation of Ayurvedic and Siddha Physician to Malaysia

Under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Program, Ayurveda expert

and therapists were deputed to Malaysia to provide traditional Indian Medicine services in

local government hospital.

Dr. Vijay Kumar Srivastava, an Ayurvedic Physician was deputed to Malaysia on 19th May

2017. He replaced Dr. Gopesh Mangal and continued providing Ayurvedic services at Port

Dickson Hospital and Cheras Rehabilitation Hospital.

In the same year, T&CMD welcomed Dr. Senthilvel Govindaraju, a Siddha Physician who

had reported on 5th July 2017. He was stationed at the Rehabilitation Medicine Department

and Orthopaedic and Traumatology Department of the Sungai Buloh Hospital.

Implementation of Varmam Therapy Pilot Project In Sungai Buloh Hospital

Upon arrival of Dr. Senthilvel Govindaraju, the Pilot Project of Varmam Therapy had been

initiated together with the team in Rehabilitation Medicine Department and Orthopedic

and Traumatology Department in Sungai Buloh Hospital.


Under this pilot project, Varmam Therapy service was offered to patients with the

following problems:

i. Cervical spondylosis;

ii. Lumbar spondylosis;

iii. Osteoarthritis (Knee); and

iv. Adhesive capsulitis (Frozen shoulder).

This pilot study was expected to continue for a year in order to assess the effectiveness of

Varmam Therapy based on the specified indications and criteria.

Dr. Vijay Kumar Srivastava at Port Dickson Hospital

Dr. Senthilvel Govindaraju, a Siddha Physician with the Head of Rehabilitation Medicine Department, Dr. Akmal Hafizah binti Zamli and staff of Rehabilitation

Medicine Department, HSgB.

Dr. Senthilvel Govindaraju, a Siddha Physician with the Head of Rehabilitation Medicine Department, Dr.

Akmal Hafizah binti Zamli, Head of Orthopaedic & Traumatology Department, YBhg. Dato’ Dr. Zamyn

Zuki bin Mohd Zuki and Medical Officers of Orthopaedic & Traumatology Department, HSgB.

Dr. Senthilvel Govindaraju with Dr. Akmal Hafizah binti Zamli (Head of Rehabilitation Medicine Department), and staff of Rehabilitation Medicine Department, Sungai Buloh Hospital


Dr. Senthilvel Govindaraju with Dr. Akmal Hafizah binti Zamli, YBhg. Dato’ Dr. Zamyn Zuki bin Mohd Zuki (Head of Orthopaedic & Traumatology Department) and Medical Officers of Orthopaedic & Traumatology

Department, Sungai Buloh Hospital.

6th Bilateral Technical Working Group Video Conference between

Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia

Date : 28th February – 2nd March 2017

Venue : Information Management Division, Ministry of Health Malaysia

The Sixth Bilateral Technical Working Group Meeting Video Conference between Brunei

Darussalam and Malaysia was successfully held on 28th February - 2nd March 2017 in

Putrajaya where T&CMD participated in Session 1 and Session 9. For Session 9, the 6-

members Malaysian delegation was led by Dr. Dyanan Puvanandran from T&CMD while the

Brunei delegation was headed by Mr. Hj. Junaidee bin Hj. Ahmad from the Boards

Management Office, Ministry of Health Brunei. The discussion covered several areas such

as practice, education, regulation and research. Schedule of the video conference is shown

in table 9.

Dr. Senthilvel Govindaraju, a Siddha Physician with the Head of Rehabilitation Medicine Department, Dr. Akmal Hafizah binti Zamli and staff of Rehabilitation

Medicine Department, HSgB.

Dr. Senthilvel Govindaraju, a Siddha Physician with the Head of Rehabilitation Medicine Department, Dr.

Akmal Hafizah binti Zamli, Head of Orthopaedic & Traumatology Department, YBhg. Dato’ Dr. Zamyn

Zuki bin Mohd Zuki and Medical Officers of Orthopaedic & Traumatology Department, HSgB.


Table 9: Schedule of the 6th Bilateral Technical Working Group Video Conference

Day / Time Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

28th Feb 1st March 2nd March

8.30 am -10.00

am

Session 1:

Brief presentation on

the structure of

Ministry of Health for

both countries

Session 4:

Communicable

Diseases Surveillance

and Control

Session 7:

Human Resource

Development

10.30 am -

12.00 pm

Session 2:

Application of ICT in

the Health Sector

Session 5:

Non-communicable

Diseases Prevention

and Control

Session 8:

Pharmaceutical Care

and Regulatory

System

2.30 pm - 4.00

pm

Session 3:

Food Safety and

Quality Control

Session 6:

Health Tourism

Session 9:

Traditional and

Complementary

Medicine

Dr. Dyanan in action as the Head of the Ministry of Health delegation for Session 9 which relates to T&CM


Official Visit by the Boards Management Office, Ministry of Health Brunei

Darussalam to the Traditional and Complementary Medicine Division

Date : 11th to 14th July 2017

Venue : T&CMD, Ministry of Health Malaysia

The visit was held at the request of The Boards Management Office, Ministry of Health

(MOH) Brunei Darussalam in effort to learn about the development and regulation of T&CM

in Malaysia following the Bilateral Technical Working Group Video Conference. The Brunei

delegation, consisting of Pengiran Dr. Haji Md Khalifah bin Pengiran Haji Ismail and Mr. Hj

Juniadee bin Hj Ahmad, paid a courtesy visit to each section within the T&CMD to gain a

better understanding of the following:

i. T&CMD’s experience in preparing to regulate T&CM practitioners in the country;

ii. The development of a national regulatory framework for T&CM practices;

iii. Training requirements and programmes for T&CM practices; and

iv. The development of policies related to T&CM.

During the four days official visit, the Ministry of Health Brunei delegation also visited the

T&CM Units at the National Cancer Institute, Putrajaya Hospital and Cheras Rehabilitation

Hospital to see how T&CM has been incorporated into the services of public health care

facilities and how it complements modern medicine (Table 10).


Table 10: The Brunei delegation's visit to the MOH facility

Date Time Details

11th July

2017

2.30 – 4.30

pm

Representatives from T&CMD and the Brunei delegation

presented on the regulatory status of T&CM in respective

countries and related matters followed by Q&A session.

12th July

2017

8.30 – 4.30

pm

Visit to T&CM Units in National Cancer Institute, Putrajaya

Hospital and Cheras Rehabilitation Hospital.

13th July

2017

8.30 – 4.30

pm

A series of discussions were held for 2 days (13th – 14th July

2017) with identified sections in T&CMD. The purpose of the

sessions was to discuss on the function and responsibilities of

each sections.

1st session : Secretariat to T&CM Council

2nd session : Inspectorate & Enforcement Section

14th July

2017

8.30 – 4.30

pm

3rd session: T&CM Practice Section

4th session: Policy & Development Section

The Brunei delegation’s visit to the T&CM Unit at the National Cancer Institute


Workshop on the Revision of Acupuncture Practice Guideline,

Third Edition

Date : 23rd March 2017

Venue : Meeting Room 1, T&CMD

One of the roles of the T&CMD is to develop a standard system for T&CM practice that is

efficient and effective towards enhancing quality of public wellness. Therefore, we have

moved towards implementation of evidence based medicine in all our practices. Efforts

towards revision of the acupuncture guideline 2009 had been underway in light of the

availability of new evidence. This workshop was organised to discuss standardisation of

treatment criteria and treatment regime during the revision of this guideline. The

standardisation of this service aimed to ensure a safe mechanism for patient referral as

well as facilitating assessment on the efficacy of treatment.

The amendments made was focused on including a new indication for acupuncture to be

used in reducing Chemotherapy Induced Nausea Vomiting (CINV) for cancer patients in

T&CM unit of public hospitals; a new regime for acupuncture treatment for post stroke

patients; and standardising a method of assessment for patients who have received

acupuncture treatment in T&CM Units of public health care facilities.

A total of 19 stakeholders participated in this workshop. They were Heads of T&CM Units

in public health care facilities, academicians in the field of Traditional Chinese Medicine,

acupuncturists from TC&M Units in public health care facilities, representatives from

practitioner’s associations and representatives from the Practice Section of T&CMD. The

outcomes of this workshop were determination of criteria for discharge patients from the

T&CM Unit, the total minimum number of sessions that patients should undergo for each

cycle of acupuncture treatment and the assessment method for the efficacy of acupuncture

treatment. It was a fruitful workshop and the outcomes were channelled to ensure a quality

publication of the third edition of the Acupuncture Practice Guideline by the end of 2017.


Patient Satisfaction Survey 2017

Patient satisfaction survey has been recognised as a method for assessing health care

services. The T&CMD has conducted Patient Satisfaction Surveys since 2014 and the results

had shown a high percentage of satisfaction with the service provided in T&CM Units in

public hospitals amongst patients which is between 94.0 – 100%. This survey was

continued to conduct in 2017 as patient perception is pertinent to gain information on how

to improve the existing health care system. The survey was conducted in six T&CM Units

which spanned across the nation. The objectives were to determine the level of satisfaction

of patients towards the services provision in T&CM Units in public hospitals, evaluate the

services provided by the Ministry of Health (MOH) staff and T&CM practitioners, and also

the accessibility of facilities. The identified T&CM Units in this survey were:

For the year 2017, a total of 287 patients participated in the survey and answered the

questionnaires. Table 11 showed the demographics of the respondents according to

gender, age, race and occupation. Majority of the respondents were female, of aged 61

years and above, and Malay (64.1%; 37.6% and 47.0% accordingly).

1) National Cancer Institute, Putrajaya;2) Cheras Rehabilitation Hospital, Kuala

Lumpur;3) Jasin Hospital, Melaka;4) Likas Children and Women’s Hospital,

Sabah;5) 1 Malaysia Low Risk Delivery Center,

MAIWP, Putrajaya; and6) Sultanah Hajjah Kalsom Hospital,

Cameron Highlands


Table 11: Demographic of respondents

Variable Frequency (Percentage, %)

Gender

Female 184 (64.1)

Male 103 (35.9)

Age Mean (SD): 53.52 (13.82)

61 years and above 108 (37.6)

51 – 60 years 72 (25.1)

41 – 50 years 43 (15.0)

31 – 40 years 47 (16.4)

18 – 30 years 17 (5.9)

Race

Malay 135 (47.0)

Chinese 100 (34.9)

Indian 19 (6.6)

Others 33 (11.5)

Occupation

Public Sector 84 (29.3)

Unemployed 62 (21.6)

Pensioner 51 (17.8)

Housewife 42 (14.6)

Private sector 23 (8.0)

Self-employed 25 (8.7)

Overall, patients satisfied with the services provided in the T&CM Units with a percentage

of 99.3%. Only 0.7% of patients answered “not sure” in the questionnaires. In responding

to the questionnaire, patients hoped that T&CM services could be expanded to other public

hospitals and health clinics; promotion and publicity of T&CM services could be enhanced;

and charge of T&CM services such as acupuncture could be relooked so as to minimise

financial burden on patients.


Research Initiatives and Collaboration

For the year 2017, the Traditional & Complementary Medicine Division’s Practice Section

has involved in the following research initiatives:


Meeting between the Traditional and Complementary Medicine Division and the

China Chamber Of Commerce for Import & Exports of Medicine & Health Products

(CCCMHPIE)

Date : 23rd October 2017

Venue : Meeting room 1, T&CMD

The delegation from CCCMHPIE consisted of Mr. Zhou Hui, the President and Ms. He Chun

Hong, Director of the Department of International Cooperation. CCCMHPIE is an influential

national trade association in China which has been established since 1989 and it is directly

affiliated to the Ministry of Commerce. At the end of the productive meeting, CCCMHPIE

met the objectives of their visit as below:

i. To understand the latest regulations and policies of drugs in Malaysia;

ii. To understand the market situation, demands and changes in health care products

in Malaysia;

iii. To discuss how to promote bilateral cooperation in the health care industry; and to

brief on the current situation of the Chinese industry.

Group photo with officers from T&CMD, National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) and delegation

from CCCMHPIE


Meeting between the Traditional and Complementary Medicine Division and the

Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM)

Date : 22nd August 2017

Venue : Meeting room 1, T&CMD

The meeting aims to establish collaborative ties between T&CMD and CCIM, India. The

T&CMD officers in-attendance were led by Dr. Goh Cheng Soon while the delegation from

CCIM was headed by Dr. K. Natarajan, the Secretary of CCIM. The points of discussion

included:

i. The roles and responsibilities of CCIM;

ii. The current status in preparation to regulate AYUSH paramedics in India which

includes Ayurvedic and Panchakarma therapists;

iii. Latest information on the institutions that provide relevant courses for Ayurvedic

and Panchakarma therapists in India; and

iv. Current status of the registration of Yoga and Naturopathic practitioners in India.

This meeting was an excellent opportunity for T&CMD and CCIM to share and exchange

information directly. The outcomes of the discussion would help to improve existing work

processes and procedures in relation to regulating the practice and practitioners of

Traditional Indian Medicine in Malaysia.

Dr. Goh and Dr. Natarajan sharing a light moment during the souvenir exchange ceremony


Meeting on the Contribution of Traditional Medicine (TM) in Strengthening Primary

Health Care (PHC) organised by the World Health Organization (WHO)

Date : 14th -15th September 2017

Venue : Manila, Philippines

Regional Office for the Western Pacific, WHO had organised the Meeting on the

Contribution of Traditional Medicine (TM) in Strengthening Primary Health Care (PHC) on

14th & 15th of September 2017, at Manila, Philippines. Countries from Western Pacific

Region such as Cambodia, Laos, Philippines, Vietnam, Mongolia and Malaysia had attended

the meeting. The experts from Australia, Japan, Republic of Korea, and People’s Republic of

China, Hong Kong and Macao were invited to be the consultants for the discussions.

Meeting objectives are:

i. To share national experiences in implementing national policies on the use of TM

products and practices in PHC;

ii. To identify enabling factors, barriers and priorities in implementing national

policies on TM; and

iii. To agree on next steps and practical approaches to strengthen implementation of

national policies on TM in PHC to advance universal healthcare (UHC).

Dr. Goh Cheng Soon and Dr. Nor Asmah binti Hassan, Family Medicine Specialist from

Meranti Health Clinic, Pasir Mas, Kelantan had attended the meeting. Meranti Health Clinic

is one of the public health care facilities which offer T&CM services in the primary health

care setting.

During the meeting, WHO encouraged every participated country to develop their planning

to maximise the contribution of T&CM in PHC by phases. Malaysia had developed a

planning under the advice and guidance of the consultant during the meeting.

The 5-years planning for the development of T&CM in Malaysia are listed as below:


I. Professionalize T&CM Practitioners

a. Establish Diploma academic programme/ Bachelor programme in traditional

Malay medicine.

b. Establish Bachelor programme in traditional Indian medicine (Ayurveda).

c. Enhancement programme for traditional Malay postnatal practitioners.

II. Improve T&CM Service Delivery

a. Define Malaysian integrated model for T&CM into National Health Care

System.

b. National strategy planning to incorporate T&CM services into PHC.

c. Awareness programme on T&CM among PHC Professionals.

d. Establish services for traditional Malay postnatal in other district in

Kelantan.

III. Monitoring and Sharing Information of T&CM Practitioners and Services

a. Monitor the traditional Malay postnatal practitioners and services.

b. Evaluation of the traditional Malay postnatal services in Kelantan.

c. Sharing database regarding the traditional Malay postnatal services in

Kelantan to other states in Malaysia

IV. Regional Collaboration and Support

Collaboration with WHO for the development in the area of T&CM practice,

education and clinical training, research, T&CM products and medicinal materials.


Meeting On the Contribution of Traditional Medicine in Strengthening Primary Health Care 14-15 September

2017 Manila, Philippines

Presentation by Malaysia’s Representative, Dr. Goh Cheng Soon in the Meeting on the Contribution of

Traditional Medicine (TM) in Strengthening Primary Health Care (PHC)


1Pesara Assembly Day Malaysia 2017

Date : 15th – 16th August 2017

Venue : Hall D, Malaysian Agro Exposition Park (MAEPS) Serdang

Under the National Blue Ocean Strategy (NBOS), an initiative of the Prime Minister of

Malaysia, the Public Service Department (PSD) was mandated to lead the 1Malaysia Civil

Service Retirements Support (1Pesara) NBOS. This initiative is to help the retirees to

continue to be active and productive by providing holistic services and consultation across

multiple agencies to them.

The objectives of 1Pesara initiative are to appreciate the retirees who have contributed

significantly to the country and ensure the sustainability of their contribution and

productivity to the community and the nation. Target participants included civilian

pensioners, veterans of the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATMs) and public retirees.

As the department in charge of the 1Patient Health Survival Trust, Ministry of Health (MOH)

was invited by PSD to participate in this programme and T&CMD is requested to provide

traditional and complementary medicine services throughout the program.

T&CMD had collaborated with PSD successfully in providing traditional massage and

acupuncture services as well as sharing information regarding T&CM Act 2016 to visitors

in this programme.


Staff who involved in the programme including officers from T&CMD, health care staffs and T&CM

Practitioners (Acupuncture and Traditional Massage) from T&CM unit, HPJ and NCI.

Acupuncture amd traditional massage services were offered by pratitioners at T&CM booth


Public Communication and Education

In the event of engaging the public in T&CMD activities, T&CMD is also actively reaching

out to the public through radio interviews. In year 2017, T&CMD had participated in two

radio interview sessions.

The first radio interview session with Dr. Karena bt. Khalid was broadcasted through Asyik

FM. Through this interview session, T&CMD had the opportunity to approach listeners who

are mostly Orang Asli in an effort to propagate and publicise T&CM services in public

health care facilities.

On the same day, Dr Wong Pi Ying represented T&CMD on air to National FM listeners.

Information shared during these radio interview sessions include:

i. The role of T&CM services in the national health care system;

ii. T&CM services at government health care facilities and indications for each T&CM

modality;

iii. List of government health care facilities that offering T&CM services;

iv. How to reach T&CM services at government health care facilities;

v. Implementation of medical charges for T&CM services offered in government health

care facilities; and

vi. Explanation on the T&CM Act 2016

In addition, T&CMD have received invitations from non-governmental organisations to

provide briefing on the T&CM Act 2016 to their members such as the Malaysian Association

of Wellness and Spa (19 July 2017) and Malaysian Association For The Blind (2 October

2017).


Working Process Purification between the Malaysian Qualifications Agency

(MQA) and the T&CM Council.

The meeting was held on 6th February 2017 at the MQA headquarters. The objective of this

meeting is to discuss the issue regarding establishment of Joint Technical Committee under

the T&CM Council based on the MQA Act 2007 [Act 679]. The main function of the

committee is to provide MQA with recommendation on accreditation (temporary or full) of

a T&CM program in the higher education level.

Collaboration between MOH and the Islamic Development Department of

Malaysia (JAKIM)

This collaboration has been agreed upon in regulating Islamic Medicine practice and

practitioners. As a result of this, the Lajnah Pengawalseliaan Pengamal Pengubatan Islam

(LAJPPI) was established to assist the T&CM Council in regulating Islamic medicine

practitioners. The LAJPPI is chaired by JAKIM Deputy Director-General (Policy) and

assisted by experts in the field of Islamic religion and Islamic medicine. Through this

collaboration, the Standard Pengukuran Pematuhan Syariah (i-Syifa') has been adopted as a

criteria of registration for Islamic medicine practitioners. With regards to coordinating the

screening process, two sessions were held with the JAKIM cadres at the MOH Headquarters

(24th January and 4th April 2017) and two series of i-Syifa' Manual Development workshops

(24-25th August and 27-30th September) were held in 2017. Through meeting sessions and

workshops, the i-Syifa' manual was detailed and refined to facilitate the screening of

Islamic medicine practitioners.


Participants of the 1st session of the Bengkel Pembinaan Manual i-Syifa’

e- Pengamal Training Sessions

Secretariat of T&CM Council (SMPTK) has successfully organised a total of four internal

training sessions of e-Pengamal System throughout the year of 2017. The e-Pengamal

System is an online registration system which will be used when registration of T&CM

practitioners has started. This training session aims to provide a periodic introduction on

the registration process and a hands-on exposure to members of the T&CMD.

Collaboration with Majlis Perubatan Homeopathy Malaysia (MPHM) and

Cyberjaya University College of Medical Sciences (CUCMS)

The objective of this collaboration is to develop the Capacity Development Module for

Homeopathic Practitioners. On the 19th - 20th September 2017, a discussion session was

Participants of the 2nd session of the Bengkel Pembinaan Manual i-Syifa’


held at Meeting Room 1, T&CMD. The meeting was attended by representatives of MPHM,

CUCMS and T&CMD. Through this forum, all components and units in the module have

been detailed and the improvements of the draft have been made to ensure that

practitioners who are attending the course can practise safely and ethically. This

Competency Development module will be tabled at a meeting of the T&CM Council for

approval.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) on ‘Methodology of Registration of

Practitioners in Malaysian Medical Council'

To fully understand the process of registering local and foreign medical practitioners,

representatives from the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) were invited to give a CPD on

methodology of registration of practitioners dated on 28th August 2017 at the Meeting

Room 1, T&CMD. The contents of this CPD session were the role and responsibility of MMC

in general as well as guidelines and methods of registration for local and foreign medical

practitioners. The information shared in this CPD session helped in planning the

registration process of local and foreign T&CM practitioners in the near future.

Partipants who involved in drafting the Capacity Develeopment Module for Homeopathic Practitioners


Meeting with Representatives from the Ministry of Tourism and Culture (MoTAC)

Regarding Overlapping and Regulatory Requirements of Spa Therapy

Date : 24th August 2017


A meeting was held with representatives from Ministry of Tourism and Culture (MoTAC) to

discuss issues regarding overlapping and regulatory requirements of Spa Therapy. The

representatives from MoTAC were from the Industry Development Division, Policy Division

(Culture) and Tourism Policy and International Affairs Division.

Dr. Dang is giving a token of appreciation to the speaker.


A representative from MoTAC gave an introduction regarding the launching of Malaysian

Signature Massage (MSM). MSM is a type of massage which was created to encompass an

identity which showcased a holistic combination of massage techniques from the Malay,

Chinese, Indian and Indigenous ethnic groups.

The concept of MSM would not encroach traditional massage and would not overlap with

the current traditional treatment which is available. It is a method of rebranding and

upgrading of knowledge for spa therapists. They also explained that in the future it would

be compulsory for MSM to be included in all spa menus.

The outcome of the meeting was that MSM would be regulated by MoTAC and regulations

of Spa Therapy would be under the jurisdiction of MoTAC. The T&CMD would play a role if

a spa premise offered services that were categorised as traditional and complementary

practices under the T&CM Act. Spa therapists that practice traditional and complementary

practices under the T&CM Act must be registered with the T&CM Council. MoTAC agreed to

relay this information to T&CMD about spa premises that offer traditional and

complementary practices so that educational visits can be carried out by the T&CMD to

these premises. Overall it was a fruitful meeting and the cooperation between T&CMD and

MoTAC would continue to ensure the upholding of the safety and wellbeing of the public.

Representatives from MoTAC with the Director and representatives of T&CMD


Briefing Sessions on the Traditional and Complementary Medicine (T&CM) Act 2016

and the Responsibilities of Registered Practitioners

The implementation of the above briefing sessions was started in 2017. The briefing session

is an initial step to ensure that all T&CM practitioners understand the provisions of the Act.

In 2017, a total of 27 briefing sessions were conducted and a total number of 3485 T&CM

practitioners had attended the briefing sessions.

Educational Visits to T&CM Practitioners

Educational visits to T&CM practitioners were carried out to raise the awareness among

T&CM practitioners on the requirements of T&CM Act 2016. A total of 588 practitioners in

the practice area of Traditional Malay Medicine, Traditional Indian Medicine and Islamic

Medical Practice had been visited by regulatory authorities (refer Table 12).

Figure 1: Statistics on Educational Visits to T&CM Practitioners Based on Institution / Zone

(January-December 2017)

175

98

20

147

5060

38

020406080

100120140160180200

T&CMD JohorBranchOffice

Pulau PinangBranchOffice

TerengganuBranchOffice

PerakBranchOffice

SabahBranchOffice

SarawakBranchOffice

No

. of

atte

nd

ee

s

Institution / Zone


Table 12: Statistics on Educational Visits to T&CM Practitioners Based on Practice Area

(January-December 2017)

Practice area Total number of T&CM practitioners visited

Traditional Malay Medicine 360

Traditional Indian Medicine 143

Islamic Medical Practice 51

Traditional Malay Medicine

and Islamic Medical Practice 34

Total 588

Complaints and Investigation

The Complaints and Investigation Unit manages various complaints relating to T&CM

practitioners and services in Malaysia. In 2017, 62 complaints from various categories

were received. Advertisement related complaints were ranked the highest amongst all the

complaints.

Figure 2: Number of complaints received for the year 2017

4 4

3

5

10

5

3

11

10

7

3

6


Figure 3: Medium of complaints received for the year 2017

Figure 4: Categories of complaints received for the year 2017

2422

2

19

4

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

LETTER EMAIL IN PERSON SISPAA TEL

47

26

2

23

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

PERMIT MALPRACTICE ADVERTISEMENT PRODUCT OTHERS


Exhibition activities

For the year 2017, the exhibitions conducted were focused mainly on creating awareness

among the public on the Traditional & Complementary Medicine Act 2016.

Figure 5: Number of Exhibition that was conducted by respective T&CM Branch in

different zone in Malaysia

Exhibition in National Mosque, Kuala Lumpur

16

9

6

2 2

15 15

T&CMD JOHOR PENANG TERENGGANU PERAK SABAH SARAWAK


Roadmap To Traditional & Complementary Medicine Act

Implementation of the Traditional and Complementary Medicine Act 2016 is still at Phase 1.

In preparing towards full enforcement, the Legislative Unit had organised workshops,

courses and Continuous Professional Development (CPD) sessions as well as development

of Guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).

Table 13: Summary of Workshops, Courses and CPD Sessions conducted in 2017

Date Topic Speaker 15.2.2017 CPD: Procedure of Loging a

Complaint and its further Management

Dr Shireen Mahalingam Deputy Secretary of the Ethics and Legislative Divisin, MMC

18.4.2017 Case Investigation According to Section 4A and Preparation of Investigation Papers Workshop

Mr. Tan Kee Leong Head of Inspectorate & Enforcement, T&CMD

26.4.2017 CPD: Private Health Care Facilities and Services Act1998 and Common Commission of offences

Dr Shazwani Mohamd Head of Private Medical Practice Control Unit, Health Department of the Federal Territories, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya

1.8.2017-2.8.2017

Basic course in Prosecution Mdm Sharifah Syazwani Binti Syed Hussin & Mdm Fairuz Syuhada Binti Amran Senior Federal Counsels, Legal Advisor Office, MOH

18.9.2017 Updates on Policy and Registration of Traditional Products and Pharmacy Bill

Dr. Seetha Ramasamy Head of the Complementary and Alternative Medicine Section of the NPRA

Self-Defence Techniques Course

Date : 25th August 2017

Venue : Meeting Room Block C, 2nd Floor, Ministry of Health, Cenderasari Road

The main objective for organising a session in self-defence techniques was to provide

fundamental knowledge and tips to stay safe when facing real-world situations of violence.


This session was organised by the Training Unit T&CMD. Participants were staff from

T&CMD, Competency Development Division and the Malaysian Medical Council. The

participants were honoured to have Dato’ Sabree Salleh, President of World Academy of

Martial Art Philosophy & Science (WAMAP), together with four self-defence facilitators.

They delivered a short lecture and followed by demonstration and guiding during hands on

session.

Pictures during the Martial Arts CPD


Effective Communication Skills Course

Date : 7th September 2017


The main objective of this course was to allow T&CMD staff to learn proper communication

skills on dealing with clients. Pn Zailan Yussoff, a retired human resource tutor at the Main

Campus of INTAN Bukit Kiara was invited. She shared effective communication techniques

with examples which obtained throughout her service in the Government. This course was

organised for self-development of all staff with the hope that they would be able to learn

how to communicate with clients in an effective way.

Staff at Effective Communication Skills Course Dr. Goh Cheng Soon, T&CMD Director handling over

souvenir to Pn. Zailan Yussoff

Microsoft Excel 2013 (Intermediate) Course

Date : 7th September 2017


The Information Technology Unit of the T&CMD organised a technical course for all staff

with regards to understanding the applications of Microsoft Excel (2013). The aim of

organising this course was to help the staff exploring the applications and functions of


Microsoft Excel, thus increasing their work performance. Staff were given the opportunity

to be involved in hands-on sessions regarding applications such as formulae, pivot table,

functions, illustration, validation, etc. Towards the end, staff who had attended the course

should be able to apply what they had learnt during the course to their daily work.

T&CMD Staffs at Microsoft Excel 2013 (Intermediate) Course

Team Building 2017: Towards T.E.A.M Excellence

Date : 6th – 8th October 2017

Venue : Bayou Lagoon Park Resort, Melaka

A three-day two-night team building retreat was organised by the Training Unit, T&CMD.

The aims of organising this team building retreat were:

a) To gain understanding of the personality of team members and to maintain team spirit

towards success;

b) To overcome teamwork barriers and to develop strategies for achievement in the

organization;

c) To develop an excellent leadership framework and efficient management of the

organization;

d) To align the team to a shared purpose in which a target of 40 staff from this division is

set to benefit from this course;


e) To bind the group with the sense of teamwork towards achieving goals;

f) To further understand the team members by undergoing team activities and working

together to accomplish tasks by mutual co-operation;

g) To develop leadership, planning and management skills;

h) To strengthen the bond among the staff of BPTK.

This retreat was a huge success and its great values would be garnered from attending the

team building retreat:

a) Greater mutual respect for one another to ensure better unity;

b) Better understanding of team work in order to accomplish more goals; and

c) Cultivate leadership and achieve organisational efficiency.

Towards T.E.A.M Excellence


6. ACHIEVEMENTS

Establishment of T&CM Council

The achievements of T&CMD for the year 2017 are something to be proud of and have

paved the way in becoming the first step in the process of enforcing the T&CM Act 2016

[Act 775]. The T&CM Act 2016 [Act 775] was gazetted on 10th March 2016 and came into

force in stages on 1st August 2016. This Act provides for the establishment of the T&CM

Council to oversee the T&CM services in Malaysia and to facilitate in determining relevant

matters related to it.

The first T&CM Council Meeting was successfully held on 16th January 2017 at Meeting

Room Level 2, Block C, Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH), Jalan Cenderasari, Kuala

Lumpur. The inaugural meeting was chaired by the Director-General of Health as the


Chairman of the T&CM Council. The meeting was also attended by three MOH

representatives, two academicians in the field of T&CM and five qualified and experienced

industry representatives in the field of T&CM. The meeting highlighted the importance of

regulating the practices and T&CM practitioners in accordance with certain criteria that

focused on the aspects of safety, effectiveness and quality of treatment and practice.

On 13th July 2017, SMPTK held a meeting with the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC)

about the Traditional and Complementary Medicine (T&CM) Order for recognized practice

areas and designation of practitioner body. The purpose of this meeting was to discuss and

coordinate several issues arising from the draft of T&CM Order and to finalise the draft

before the order was sent to YB Minister of Health (YBMK) for approval. Following the

meeting, the T&CM (Recognized Practice Areas) Order and the T&CM (Recognition of

Practitioner Body) Order were approved and signed by YBMK and formally gazetted on

28th July 2017 based on the T&CM Act 2016 subsection 20(2) and subsection 42(1)

respectively. Both orders came into force on 1st August 2017.

Key Performance Indicators

In year 2017, two key performance indicators (KPI) under the Ministerial Key Result Area

(MKRA) were selected for T&CMD, thus tasked as KPIs for Director-General of Health. The

two KPIs selected were:

a) Development of the T&CM Blueprint.

b) Number of T&CM practitioners receiving certification for having passed the

questionnaire on “The obligations of a registered practitioner under the T&CM Act

2016” after attending briefing session on the Act;


i) Development of the T&CM Blueprint

In terms of developing the T&CM Blueprint (Health Care) 2018-2027, T&CMD had

received valuable technical support from WHO. The main objective of this blueprint is

to facilitate the development of T&CM industry and to strengthen the health care

system in Malaysia especially in the field of T&CM.

T&CM Blueprint was drafted after a series of meetings and workshops with the relevant

stakeholders. From 15th-19th May 2017, officers from T&CMD had met with WHO

Consultant, Professor Alan Bensoussan to finalise the blueprint draft. The final draft of

blueprint was produced and it is planned to be launched in 2018.

ii) Number of T&CM practitioners receiving certification for having passed the

questionnaire under the T&CM Act 2016

In order to achieve the KPIs, the briefing sessions were handled by the Inspectorate and

Enforcement Section together with 6 T&CM Branch Offices in other states in Malaysia

(Table 13 and Figure 6) to ensure that the T&CM practitioners fully understand their

responsibilities, obligations and prohibitions as stated in Act 775 before its full

enforcement.

Dr. Goh Cheng Soon (Director of T&CMD) was presenting the ‘Malaysia Herbal Monograph 2015’ to Professor Alan Bensoussan


Table 13: Total Number of Practitioners attended Briefing Sessions on the T&CM Act 2016 in

Malaysia (January-December 2017)

State Total Number of Attendees

Kuala Lumpur 568

Selangor 623

Kedah 439

Pulau Pinang 101

Perak 223

Melaka 152

Johor 313

Terengganu 171

Kelantan 108

Pahang 73

Sabah 246

Sarawak 468

Total 3485

Figure 6: Number of T&CM Practitioners Attended the Briefing Sessions according to each

zone/ institution


.

T&CM practitioners attending the Briefing Session for the T&CM Act 2016 and the Responsibilities of Registered Practitioners on 17 November 2017 at Cyberjaya University College of Medical Sciences (CUCMS), Cyberjaya

The Briefing Session for the T&CM Act 2016 and the Responsibilities of Registered Practitioners were presented by Dr. Muhammad Zubair at National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Bangi on 1 April 2017


Traditional Malay Postnatal Practice in Kelantan, Malaysia: A Cross Sectional

Exploratory Study

A cross sectional exploratory study was conducted in Kelantan, Malaysia from March to

May 2016. This study aimed to explore the traditional Malay postnatal practice as well as

confinement rituals among traditional Malay practitioners in Kelantan. Throughout the

study, 42 traditional Malay practitioners with more than 10 years’ experience were

interviewed under the guidance of an interview guideline that covered the following areas:

a) Sociodemography;

b) Practice, based on eight main themes:

i. Traditional Malay massage;

ii. Hot compression (bertungku);

iii. Herbal bath;

iv. Corsetry, use of herbal paste (param);

v. Use of herbal paste (pilis);

vi. Heat treatment (berdiang/bersalai); and

vii. vaginal steaming (bertangas).

c) Tips and taboos that should be observed during the

confinement period including issues relating to care of the

postnatal wound, dietary

d) intake and daily activities;

e) Care of the newborn baby.

This study was approved by the Malaysia Medical Research and Ethics Committee, Ministry

of Health Malaysia with the grant number NMRR-15-907-25818.

The findings have corresponded to the study objectives - to explore, identify and observe

the features and procedures in traditional Malay postnatal practice in Kelantan including

tips and taboos in the care of postnatal mothers that are observed by the practitioners.


The publication of the findings of this study is an attempt to ensure that traditional Malay

knowledge regarding the care of postnatal mothers does not become lost in time. This

study found out that the practice of traditional postnatal care in Kelantan has some benefits.

However, some of these traditional practices are contradictory to practices in modern

medicine and may not be practical to be practised in the present day society. Consequently,

these practices perhaps require some improvisation and the practitioners themselves

should also be exposed to modern practices in postnatal and infant care. In conclusion, this

publication will be an additional document to existing literature on traditional Malay

postnatal care and can be used as a reference for future studies in assessing its efficacy.


7. MILESTONES

Implementation of T&CM Act 2016

I. Working visit to Malaysian Medical Council (MMC)

A visit to MMC was conducted on 11th January 2017 led by Dr Dyanan Puvanandran

as the Secretary of the T&CM Council. The Secretary of MMC, YBhg. Dato' Dr. Hj.

Azmi shared his experience as member of MMC Secretariat in carrying out his duties

such as; briefing YBhg. Datuk Director General of Health as the chairman of the MMC

meeting, council meeting procedures, preparation of meeting minutes and other

related matters.

II. Purification of Traditional and Complementary Regulation 2018

In order to ensure that the enforcement of the T&CM Act 2016 went according to

plan, a series of meetings with Legal Advisor (PUU) of MOH was held to discuss

about the T&CM Regulation 2018. A discussion session with PUU was held on 23th

May 2017 to discuss the matter. In December 2017 two sessions were held together

with PUU to discuss comments and suggestions by the Attorney-General’s Chambers

(AGC) on regulations draft that had been submitted to AGC before. As a result of the

meeting, a latest regulations draft has been clarified and has been forwarded to the

AGC for review and approval.

III. Discussion session with the National Population and Family Development

Board (LPPKN)

A meeting was held on 27th October 2017 at Meeting Room 2, T&CMD between

SMPTK and LPPKN. This meeting was chaired by Dr. Dyanan Puvanandran and was

attended by several SMPTK officers and representatives from LPPKN which was led

by En. Abdul Shukur Abdullah, LPPKN Deputy Director General (Management).


The objective of the discussion is to give LPPKN an overview on the implementation

of the T&CM Act 2016, the recognition of practice areas and the gazettement of the

designated practitioner body. In addition, LPPKN would like to get clarification

about the suitability of post-natal maternity training based on National Occupational

Skills Standard (NOSS).

In conclusion, LPPKN is advised that any recognised minimum qualifications should

come from programs that have been accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications

Agency or the Department of Skills Development. However, the registration method

and the minimum qualification of local traditional practitioners are still in

discussion at the level of the T&CM Council and there has been no final decision.

IV. Implementation of the Act -Proposal Presentation on Regulation of Islamic

Medicine Practice

Dr. Dyanan Puvanandran as Secretary of the T&CM Council and Dr. Mohd. Naufal bin

Ridzuan from SMPTK were invited by JAKIM to present a proposal on the regulation

of the Islamic medicine practice at the Conference of the Head of the Islamic

Religious Department and the State Islamic Religious Council. The conference which

was dated on the 21st August 2017, located at the Putrajaya Islamic Complex, was

chaired by the Deputy Director General (Human Development) JAKIM, YBhg. Datuk

Hj. Zainal Abidin bin Jaafar.

The aim of the presentation was to inform the members of the Conference of the

Islamic Religious and Islamic Religious Council on the cooperation of the Ministry of

Health Malaysia (MOH) with JAKIM in regulating the Islamic medicine practice in

Malaysia. The contents of the presentation was the gazettement of recognized

practice areas, the establishment of the Lajnah Pengawalseliaan Pengamal

Pengubatan Islam (LAJPPI) and the Standard Pengukuran Pematuhan Syariah (i-

Syifa'). Generally, all members of the conference acknowledged and agreed to give


their fullest cooperation in the process of regulating Islamic medicine practice

throughout Malaysia.

Investigation of Advertisements under Section 4A of the Medicines

(Advertisement and Sale) Act 1956

In collaboration with the Pharmacy Enforcement Division, the Inspectorate and

Enforcement Section (I&P) started a new activity in 2017. The activity was to investigate

complaints related to advertisements on T&CM skills and services with medical claim

(treatment, prevention or diagnosis). This was initiated with the help of our former head

of the I&P Section, Mr. Tan Kee Leong. The power to investigate under section 4A of this

Act was granted to all pharmacists in I&P Section and branch offices. Throughout the year

2017, three cases were investigated by the I&P Section and four cases by the branch

offices.

Prosecution

Prosecutorial action would be instituted towards cases involving offences to the Section

4A, of the Medicines (Advertisement and Sales) Act 1956. In 2017, two cases were

Dr. Dyanan Puvanandran receiving a token of appreciation from the Deputy Director General (Human Development) JAKIM, YBhg. Datuk Hj. Zainal Abidin bin Jaafar


registered at the Court of the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur. The accused were

successfully convicted and subjected to punishment as stated in Table 14.

Table 14: Successful Prosecution Cases in Court

Case Date Mentioned in Court Punishment

First Case

1st Accused

2nd Accused

6th June 2017

10th July 2017

(second mention)

9th Aug 2017

(third mention)

RM 1000

Accused was absent

RM 1500

Second Case 1st July 2017 RM 1000

Development of Guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) related to

Enforcement.

A total of 5 Guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures were prepared and updated in

2017 as per Table 15. These guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures would be used

as a reference for authorised officers in T&CMD and T&CM Branch.


Table 15: List of Guideline and Standard Operating Procedure Prepared

No. Guideline/ SOP Purpose

1. Management of the

Briefing of the Traditional

dan Complementary

Medicine Act 2016 [Act

775]

This Standard Operating Procedure explains the

steps in managing the Briefing Sessions of the

Traditional & Complementary Medicine Act to T&CM

practitioners.

2. Guideline to Registration

of Cases at the Federal

Territory of Kuala Lumpur

Court

This guideline acts as a reference to officers as well

as support staff of BPTK on the procedures and

criteria required during case registration at court.

3. Standard Operating

Procedures for

Intelligence and Espionage

(updated)

This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) was

prepared to enhance workflow in procuring early

information and determining the validity of

information or complaint received before decision

making of further investigation or raid operations.


Procedures for Handling

of Complaint (updated)

This Standard Operating Procedure explains the

steps in handling complaints towards traditional and

complementary medicine practitioners and/or

services.


Procedures for Raid

Operations (updated)

This Standard Operating Procedure was prepared to

ensure raid operations on the target suspect are

according to the right procedure in order to assist in

achieving successful investigation and prosecution


8. RECIPIENTS OF SCHOLARSHIPS BY T&CM DIVISION STAFF

For the year 2017, two of T&CMD staff were proudly chosen amongst numerous candidates

to receive prestigious scholarships in certain fields related to health management in

foreign countries.

Those who had received these scholarships are:

1. Dr. Jaspal Kaur Marik Singh; and

2. Ms Teoh Sheh Ki.

Dr. Jaspal was chosen for a scholarship under The Young Leaders Program (YLP). The YLP

is a collaboration with the Japanese Government with the aim to cultivate future national

leaders in Asian and other countries, to establish friendly relationship among various

countries and to improve policy planning activities by forming a network among national

leaders through deepening their understanding of Japan.

The YLP is one of the Japanese Government (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science

and Technology) Scholarship Student programs. Participants are selected from the eligible

countries, of potential young public administrators in healthcare and allied sectors who are

expected to play active roles as future national leaders in their respective countries.

Nagoya University had conducted interviews at 13 countries in Asia and only selected 11

candidates from these countries. Out of those interviewees, three candidates from the

Ministry of Health (MOH) had successfully secured placement under the YLP to attend

Master’s Degree course in Health Care Administration at this university. Dr. Jaspal was one


of the three from MOH to enrol in this program. The other candidates were from the

Medical Development Division. Dr. Jaspal started her studies in Nagoya University in

September 2017 and is expected to complete her Master’s programme in December 2018.

Ms Teoh Sheh Ki was chosen for the Chevening Scholarship. Chevening is the United

Kingdom government’s international awards scheme aimed to develope global leaders. The

recipients are selected by the British embassies and High Commissioners throughout the

world.

Chevening offers a unique opportunity for future leaders and influencers from all over the

world to develop professionally and academically; network extensively, experience UK

culture, and build lasting positive relationships. Last year over 50,000 people worldwide

applied for the scholarships, but only 1,800 were selected. Six out of them who have been

granted the scholarship were from the MOH. Ms Teoh Sheh Ki was one of those that had

successfully acquired the prestigious scholarship and pursued her Masters in Health

Economics at the University of Sheffield, United Kingdom. T&CMD would like to

congratulate those who had successfully acquired these prestigious scholarships and wish

them all the best in completing their studies.

Miss Teoh Sheh Ki with the other recipients of

the Chevening Scholarship with the Director

General of Health Malaysia

Dr. Jaspal with the other recipients of The Young

Leaders Program (YLP) scholarship with the Director

General of Health Malaysia


9. PARTICIPATION OF COURSES ABROAD

2017 Training Course on Health Care Technique of Traditional Chinese Medicine for

Developing Countries

Date : 27th June - 25th September 2017

Venue : Beijing, People’s Republic of China (PRC)

This course is one of the activities under the Human Resource Development Cooperation

Program in the Framework of China's Foreign Aid that is sponsored by the Ministry of

Commerce, People's Republic of China. The course was held in Beijing Traditional Chinese

Medicine Research Institute and Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

The main objective of the course is to introduce the basic of Traditional Chinese Medicine

(TCM) to developing countries. A total number of 57 participants from 22 developing

countries had successfully completed the course. Two Medical Officers from T&CMD and

three Pharmacists from the T&CM Branch Office of the Eastern Zone, National Cancer

Institute and Kepala Batas Hospital, Penang were invited to represent Malaysia.

The course was conducted in the form of lecture and clinical attachment (only in selected

Outpatient Clinics). Lectures were conducted in English with the help of translator whereby

live translation was delivered during the classes.


The organiser brought the participants to visit other TCM hospitals such as TCM Yangqing

Hospital and TCM Suzhou Hospital. In conclusion, the experience and knowledge gained

from this course will help the T&CMD in developing T&CM in Malaysia.

Demonstration session of massage in Tuina Outpatient Clinic

Clinical observation in the Acupuncture and Moxibustion Outpatient Clinic (with Prof. Hong and Ms. Pei, the translator)

Closing ceremony with the Director of Beijing Traditional Chinese Medicine Research Institue and Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine


The Second WHO Interregional Training Workshop on Quality of Traditional and

Complementary Medicine Services, Macao SAR, China

Date : 7th -9th July 2017

Venue : Hotel Royal, Estrada Da Vitoria 2-4, Macao

This workshop was attended by representatives from 18 Member States of World Health

Organisation (WHO) including Bhutan, Chile, China, China – Hong Kong SAR, China – Macao

SAR, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Japan, Malaysia, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique,

Myanmar, Pakistan, Peru, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Thailand,

and Turkey. Officer from T&CMD has attended this workshop as a representative from

Malaysia.

The main objective of the workshop is to increase the knowledge and expertise of the

national health authority in T&CM and promote sharing of experience and information

among Member States of WHO. The participants were introduced to perceptive of WHO in

the field of T&CM including WHO strategy, in general, and in particular on quality of T&CM

services. The participants were given the opportunities to understand the hindrance faced

by different Member States and to practise on applying the problem solving strategy

learned.


Participants of the Second WHO Interregional Training Workshop on Quality of Traditional and Complementary Medicine Services, Macao SAR, China

The participants paid a visit to the Centro De Saύde Da Areia Preta Health Center which provides Traditional Chinese Medicine services

t&cmd annual report 2017 page...

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