Kuala Lumpur: The Ministry of Health (MOH) has firmly denied allegations of setting a new policy or amending guidelines in the Medical Act 1971 (Act 50) concerning the verification period for specialist doctors. This clarification comes in response to a report by an online portal on February 10, which featured an article titled 'Protest New Policy to Confirm Expert Doctors'.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Health director-general Datuk Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan refuted claims that the MOH mandates a verification period of up to 18 months for specialist doctors, alongside assertions that medical officers are receiving less than half of their salary during this period. He emphasized that these claims are entirely untrue.

Dr Muhammad Radzi further clarified that the Medical (Amendment) Act 2024 (Act A1729), which amends Act 50, has not yet been enforced. He also mentioned that the study on the adjustment of the Expert Incentive Payment (BIP) allowance is in its final stages and will be aligned with the law. Any decisions regarding these matters will be officially announced once finalized with central agencies.

He stated that any changes in the adjustment of allowances would only affect medical practitioners who complete their specialist training after Act A1729 becomes effective. The portal's article had previously alleged that the extension of the verification period was part of guidelines amended through Act 50 and the General Orders Chapter F (Medical) of the Public Service Department 1974.