Undocumented, stateless people account for 80pct of non-citizen medical bill arrears
KUALA LUMPUR: More than 80 per cent of outstanding medical bills involving non-citizen patients involved undocumented migrants and stateless people.
KUALA LUMPUR: A recent audit reveals that undocumented migrants and stateless individuals account for more than 80 percent of outstanding medical bills in Malaysia. Deputy Health Minister Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib addressed the issue during the debate on the Auditor General's Report 2/2026 for the Health Ministry. Despite the financial concern, Hanifah noted a 6.4 percent decrease in outstanding bills, from RM359 million in 2024 to RM336 million in 2025.
Factors contributing to the unpaid medical debts include limited financial capacity, lack of insurance, and incomplete patient information. The Health Ministry is employing various collection strategies, such as sending reminders, serving legal notices, and collaborating with non-governmental organizations to assist patients in paying their bills.
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