What is UMP? How Malaysia’s new free medicine delivery service works and how to apply

KUALA LUMPUR, September 30 — The government has introduced a new subsidised medicine delivery service called Ubat Melalui Pos (UMP), which aims to assist over 85,000 patients. This initiative, initially launched in 2011, marks the first time medicines will be fully subsidized through the national postal service. UMP will operate for a year and is projected to cost RM5 million, with the possibility of extension.

This service is designed to provide long-term repeat prescriptions, like daily medications for chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, or heart disease, straight to patients’ homes via PosLaju, eliminating the need for them to travel, queue, or wait at government health clinics or public hospitals.

The Malaysian Health Ministry (MOH) describes UMP as an official value-added service, operating in collaboration with Pos Malaysia, the national postal service company. Previously, patients were required to pay a delivery fee of RM5.30 to RM12.50, depending on the region. However, starting October 1, 2026, the government will subsidize delivery fees entirely, making postage free for eligible patients.

To qualify for UMP, patients must meet specific criteria. Firstly, they must have an active long-term prescription from a recognized MOH facility, such as a government hospital or a Klinik Kesihatan. Non-MOH facilities, including university hospitals or military hospitals, do not participate in this system. Secondly, only solid oral medications, such as tablets and capsules, that do not require refrigeration or special liquid handling can be delivered under UMP.

Refrigerated items, psychotropic medications, and liquids must still be collected in person. Lastly, patients’ conditions and treatment plans must be deemed stable by the attending MOH doctor or pharmacist.

Applying for UMP is straightforward and can be done either online or at a physical counter. For online registration, patients need to download the official MyUBAT app, register for a new account, and provide their full name, IC number, active phone number, and email address. Malaysian citizens can authenticate their identity via MyDigital ID.

Once registered, they can select the UMP delivery option. Although online applications require approval, in-person registration at the pharmacy counter of their attending MOH health clinic or hospital is also encouraged. Patients or their authorized caregivers must present their original prescription, IC card, and physical appointment book or card to the pharmacist to enroll in the UMP service.