General : Medicines By Post: Public Warned Against Scams Over Registration, Medicine Delivery

Putrajaya: Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil has cautioned the public, especially senior citizens, against falling for scams related to the free Medicines By Post programme set to commence on October 1. Fahmi emphasized that registration for the programme can only be completed through Health Ministry facilities and not via TikTok or Facebook accounts. He warned against paying anyone who claims to register individuals for the program through unofficial channels.

The initiative, which covers delivery costs nationwide from October 1, will be managed by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and Pos Malaysia. Previously, patients had to pay a fee of RM5.70 in Peninsular Malaysia and RM12.50 in Sabah and Sarawak for medication deliveries. Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad noted that the program would greatly benefit patients in rural and remote areas, eliminating the need to travel to health facilities solely for medicine collection.

This would save them time and transportation costs, while providing a more convenient means of receiving their medications.

Dzulkefly also pointed out that the program would enhance the overall patient experience by offering a more convenient collection process, reducing the need for patients to queue at health facilities, and minimizing congestion in hospitals and health facilities. The Medicines By Post programme, introduced in 2011, is projected to benefit around 87,000 registered patients annually.

Health Minister Dzulkefly emphasized that the initiative aligns with the government's commitment to making healthcare services more accessible, particularly for patients who struggle with traveling to health facilities. The public has been advised to register for the service exclusively through Health Ministry facilities and the MyUBAT system, rather than through social media platforms or unofficial links.