Director fined RM50,000 for running unlicensed ambulatory care centre in Sibu

SIBU (Feb 10): A company director of a local private ambulatory care service was fined RM50,000, in default five months’ imprisonment, by the Sessions Court here on Tuesday after pleading guilty to operating a private healthcare centre without a valid licence.

Judge Musyiri Peet imposed the sentence on the 50-year-old accused, who was charged under Section 3(c) of the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 (Act 586), which carries a maximum fine of RM500,000 upon conviction.

According to the charge, the accused had on Nov 19, 2024, at around 11am provided private ambulatory care services at a premises located at Jalan Lau King Howe here without a valid licence under Paragraph 19(a) of Act 586.

The prosecution informed the court that a raid conducted by the Private Medical Practice Control Branch (CKAPS) of Sarawak Health Department led by Dr Lau Hui Ong found the premises operating without the required licence.

During the inspection, five staff members and five patients were present at the centre.

Several medical devices, medications, and documents were seized, including an Enhanced External Counter Pulsation (EECP) machine, blood pressure set, Electrocardiogram (ECG) electrodes foam, lab request forms, patient records and promotional materials.

The investigating team also photographed the premises and documented the findings before issuing a notice of offence to the accused.

Further investigations by the investigating officer, Dr Sirena Anne Maiks, confirmed that the premises had no registration, approval or licence under Act 586.

Investigations also revealed that the company was registered with the Companies Commission of Malaysia and had three directors.

During the inspection, an employee admitted to operating an EECP machine on patients at the premises.

Verification with the Malaysian Medical Council confirmed that the individual was not a registered medical practitioner and was therefore unqualified to provide medical treatment.

The case was prosecuted by Dr Abu Bakar Ismail, Norzaizeli Abu Samah and Anis Nadia Ahmad Lathpi from the Ministry of Health.

The accused, who was represented by defence counsel Muhammad Nur Syafiq Wong, paid the fine.