Why are thousands of doctors facing delays in their 2026 APC?

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Thousands of Doctors Experience Delays in 2026 Annual Practising Certificate (APC) Issuance

Thousands of doctors in Malaysia are encountering significant delays in receiving their 2026 Annual Practising Certificates (APCs), a mandatory document for legal practice. Over 14,000 medical practitioners are estimated to be affected by this situation, with many applications submitted since mid-November still pending approval. This bottleneck raises concerns about potential impacts on healthcare services nationwide, as the APC is essential for performing core medical duties such as consultations, treatments, and prescribing medication.
Over 14,000 Doctors Affected by Pending Applications

An estimated number exceeding 14,000 doctors are currently impacted by the delays in the issuance of their 2026 APCs. Applications submitted as early as November 20, which typically receive approval within one to two weeks, are still awaiting processing. This widespread delay affects the ability of these doctors to formally practice, although specific assurances have been made for those who met certain submission deadlines.
MMC Cites Application Surge and Incomplete Documentation

The Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) has acknowledged the delays and issued an apology, attributing the situation to a late-year surge in application submissions. Additionally, the council indicated that incomplete supporting documents submitted by some applicants have contributed to the backlog. This combination of factors has overwhelmed the council's processing capacity, leading to extended waiting times beyond the usual timeframe.
Provisions for Continued Practice Amidst Delays

Despite the ongoing delays, the MMC has stated that medical practitioners who submitted their applications, completed payment, and fulfilled all necessary requirements on or before December 31, 2025, are permitted to continue their practice. This provision allows them to operate without facing any disciplinary action until their 2026 APC is officially issued. This measure aims to prevent immediate disruption to patient care while the council works through the application backlog.
Concerns Over Legal and Insurance Implications

Practising without a valid APC is an offence under Section 20(1) of the Medical Act 1971. While the MMC's provision allows continued practice for eligible doctors, concerns remain regarding medico-legal risks. These include the potential rejection of insurance claims if a doctor involved in a case does not hold a current and valid APC, even if their renewal application is pending. The Malaysian Medical Association has urged the MMC to ensure all APCs are issued by January 31 to mitigate these risks.

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Why are thousands of doctors facing delays in their 2026 APC?

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