Health Minister Chua Soi Lek today said six healthcare centres run by bogus doctors, some even delivering babies, had been closed down ahead of a nationwide crackdown on fake clinics.

Chua said the private centres were in two states in Malaysia's west and Johor Bahru, the capital of southern Johor state, and included a maternity centre, the state Bernama news agency reported.

"The six bogus doctors include a medical assistant, a community nurse, an ex-army nurse and a foreigner - all operate like doctors and some even delivered babies," he was quoted as saying.

The minister said more clinics would be shut with the launch soon of a nationwide crackdown, which would focus mainly on Malaysia's capital, Kuala Lumpur, and surrounding areas, Bernama reported.

The fake doctors are to be charged under the private healthcare act, with a maximum fine of RM300,000 and six years in jail, said Chua.

Malaysia has launched a campaign to promote itself as a regional centre for medical tourism in an effort to catch up with neighbours Singapore and Thailand.