Health Minister Dr S Subramaniam has assured Malaysians that the government will "put its foot down" to protest against possible increase in medicine prices should the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) be inked.

Speaking to reporters after launching a book on herbal medication yesterday, Subramaniam said his ministry was "protesting" against moves to any increase in medicine prices.

s subramaniam subra The likely increase in generic medicine prices has emerged in the forefront of many other concerns voiced by the civil society groups on the TPPA negotiations, which Malaysia is a part of.

"We have stated our view on this matter (to the Ministry of International Trade and Industry)," Subramaniam said.

However, he said, his ministry is not a party to the TPPA negotiations.

"But we are engaging with the ministry (Miti). They are keeping us informed of the issues," Subramaniam said.

Civil society groups, including the opposition, have been sceptical about the benefits of Malaysia signing the TPPA.

International Trade and Industries Minister Mustapa Mohamed has repeatedly said that the government would not rush into signing the international trade pact until issues such as medicine prices are resolved.