Amid 'Abang Belon' speculation, MOH reminds only doctors can diagnose

Summary

• The Health Ministry reminds that only qualified and registered medical professionals may diagnose or treat conditions, amid speculation over Za’imuddin Azlan’s spinal injury.

• It warns against unauthorised diagnoses, public statements, or operation of unlicensed clinics, citing possible penalties under the Medical Act 1971 and Private Healthcare Act 1998.

• The ministry confirms Za’imuddin is receiving proper care at a government hospital, with further treatment scheduled.

Amid speculation on Za’imuddin Azlan’s medical condition, the Health Ministry has reminded that only qualified medical practitioners may provide medical diagnosis and treatments for any disease.

In addition, it said injuries involving the spine and spinal cord should only be checked and diagnosed by registered orthopaedic specialists and neurosurgery specialists.

“Medical practitioners are also forbidden from issuing any public statement that could mislead or cause misunderstanding in the public, especially those that could affect the reputation of the medical profession.

“Any medical professional who is not qualified and has a valid annual practising certificate, or is not registered in the national specialist register for certain specialities, cannot practice as a medical practitioner or specialist and give any diagnosis or treatment to any patient,” the ministry said in a statement today.

It warned that those who violate procedures could face action Under the Medical Act 1971, with penalties that include suspension, de-registration, fines, and imprisonment.

In addition, it said no person may establish or operate a private medical facility without approval and licensing.

Such cases could face action under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998. Upon conviction, penalties include a fine of up to RM300, up to six months imprisonment, or both.

“The Health Ministry urges members of the public to obtain only legitimate information from authoritative sources.

“The Health Ministry will continue to provide the best medical care to all who need it, for the health and wellbeing of the public,” it said.

It is unclear what prompted the Health Ministry’s statement.

Altercation injury

On March 28, Za’imuddin - also known as “Abang Belon” - was injured in an altercation with a group of Kuala Lumpur City Hall enforcement officers.

At a subsequent press conference, a private doctor said that based on the hospital’s preliminary report, Za’imuddin allegedly suffered a spinal injury - specifically a T12 vertebra compression - that could lead to permanent paralysis.

“The medical report showed ‘T12 compression’, there are many complications that could arise from this and we are very worried as he has begun to feel numb and is unable to control urination.

“Among the complications we do not want is the risk of paralysis,” said Dr Hafidz Rizal Amran at a press conference on April 6 together with the balloon trader, his parents, and lawyer Rafique Rashid Ali.

Hafidz was engaged to interpret Za’imuddin’s medical report.

Poser over actual condition

Since the press conference, there has been speculation regarding Za’imuddin’s true condition, including purported images of his medical scans being circulated on social media and suggestions that a fracture was an old injury.

It should be noted that disclosure of medical information without the patient’s consent, except in limited circumstances, would be a violation of the Malaysian Medical Council’s patient confidentiality guidelines.

Checks by Malaysiakini found that he is a registered medical doctor who graduated from Universitas Hasanuddin Sulawesi Selatan, Indonesia.

He renewed his annual practising certificate last year and has listed a clinic in Batu Caves as his place of practice.

However, he is not registered as a medical specialist.

In politics, Hafidz was sacked from his post as Kelantan PKR Youth chief in 2017. PKR fielded him as its Kuala Balah candidate during the 2018 general election, but he was disqualified on grounds of being bankrupt.

The Health Ministry assured that Za’imuddin is being given the proper medical attention at the Sultan Idris Shah Hospital in Serdang.

“The next appointment has already been set, and he may continue with any treatment deemed necessary and appropriate by medical specialists responsible,” it said.

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