Traditional and Complementary Medicine (T&CM) in Malaysia — including Chinese, Malay and Indian medicine, homeopathy and chiropractic — is regulated under the Traditional and Complementary Medicine Act 2016 (Act 775) and the T&CM Council. Any practitioner in the seven recognised practice areas must register with the Council. After the transition period ended on 28 February 2025, practising without registration can carry a fine of up to RM30,000 or imprisonment of up to 2 years for a first offence.
- Seven recognised practice areas: Malay Traditional Medicine, Chinese, Indian, homeopathy, chiropractic, osteopathy and Islamic medical practice.
- Registration with the T&CM Council is mandatory; full enforcement began on 1 March 2025 after a four-year transition period.
- First-offence fine of up to RM30,000 or imprisonment of up to 2 years; repeat offences up to RM50,000 or 3 years.
Who this applies to: Traditional and complementary medicine practitioners, T&CM clinic owners, and users of these services in Malaysia.
On this page
Since 1 March 2025, traditional masseurs, Chinese medicine practitioners, homeopaths and chiropractors in Malaysia can no longer open their clinic doors without a single piece of paper — a registration certificate. The era of “practising in the name of experience” is over.
What law governs traditional medicine?
All traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM) in Malaysia is regulated under the Traditional and Complementary Medicine Act 2016 (Act 775). The Act establishes the Traditional and Complementary Medicine Council (T&CM Council) — a statutory body that registers practitioners, sets professional standards and handles consumer complaints.
The purpose is simple: to ensure T&CM services are safe and of good quality, and to make sure consumers are treated by people who are genuinely qualified, not by frauds.
Which practice areas are recognised?
Not every traditional practice is included. Act 775 recognises seven practice areas:
| Recognised practice area |
|---|
| Malay Traditional Medicine |
| Chinese Traditional Medicine (TCM) |
| Indian Traditional Medicine (including Ayurveda) |
| Homeopathy |
| Chiropractic |
| Osteopathy |
| Islamic Medical Practice |
Only practitioners in these seven areas can — and must — register. Practising in an area that is not recognised is also an offence.
Who needs to register, and when?
Registration with the T&CM Council is mandatory, not optional. The T&CM Regulations came into force on 1 March 2021, with a four-year transition period that ended on 28 February 2025.
Starting 1 March 2025, any individual found practising in a recognised area without registration can be subject to legal action. Clinics still awaiting approval are permitted to operate if they can show proof of payment of the registration fee to enforcement officers.
What is the penalty for practising without registration?
The penalties under Act 775 are real:
- First offence: a fine not exceeding RM30,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 2 years, or both.
- Subsequent offence: a fine not exceeding RM50,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 3 years, or both.
- Practising without a valid practising certificate: a fine of up to RM10,000 or imprisonment of up to 3 months, or both.
Providing false information when applying for registration also carries equally severe penalties.
How many have already registered?
As of January 2025, the Ministry of Health had received 18,802 applications, with 14,312 local practitioners registered. The breakdown:
- Chinese Traditional Medicine: 7,097
- Malay Traditional Medicine: 4,541
- Islamic Medical Practice: 1,445
- Homeopathy: 469
- Chiropractic: 446
- Indian Traditional Medicine: 310
- Osteopathy: 4
What’s next
If you are a practitioner, check whether your field falls within the seven recognised practice areas, then apply for registration through the T&CM Council, Traditional and Complementary Medicine Division, Ministry of Health Malaysia. If you are a consumer, ask to see the practitioner’s registration certificate before receiving treatment — it is now the mark of a legally legitimate practitioner.
Is T&CM registration mandatory?
Yes. Under Act 775, anyone wishing to practise in any recognised practice area must apply for registration with the T&CM Council. Enforcement began on 1 March 2025.
What is the penalty for practising without registration?
For a first offence, a fine not exceeding RM30,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 2 years, or both. Subsequent offences carry up to RM50,000 or imprisonment of up to 3 years.
Sources
- Healing hands need legal papers — The Star
- Unregistered traditional medicine practitioners to face fines, jail from tomorrow, says MOH — Malay Mail
- Registration of Traditional and Complementary Medicine Practitioners — Thoo & Partners
Change history
| Version | Date | Change | By |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01.00 | 1 Aug 2026 | Approved and published. | — |