KUCHING: Rising demand for aesthetic procedures has heightened concerns over patient safety, with increasing calls for stricter adherence to medical standards and regulations in the industry.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said that patients must seek treatment only from qualified practitioners operating in accredited facilities.
He stressed that patient safety must remain the cornerstone of both reconstructive and aesthetic practices, noting that while reconstructive surgery restores function and form following trauma, cancer or congenital conditions, aesthetic procedures aim to enhance appearance and confidence.
“Although their purposes may differ, both require the same level of expertise, ethical practice, and commitment to patient safety,” he said.
He said this at the opening ceremony of the Sarawak Plastic Surgical Update 2026, themed ‘Safe Aesthetics: Your Beauty, Your Choice, Your Knowledge’, at Auditorium, Borneo Cultures Museum, here today (Apr 24).
Dr Sim highlighted that aesthetic medical practice in Malaysia is guided by the Ministry of Health’s (MOH) principle of the 3Ps – Procedure, Practitioner and Premises – as key safeguards for the public.
On Procedure, he said patients must understand whether a treatment is non-invasive, minimally invasive or invasive, and be aware that certain procedures are not permitted in Malaysia.
“Unlicensed aesthetic procedures aren’t just risky, they can cause permanent, life-altering complications,” he said.
On Practitioner, he emphasised that only registered medical doctors with a valid Letter of Credentialing and Privileging (LCP) are allowed to perform such procedures.
“Patients are encouraged to verify that their doctor is registered with the Malaysian Medical Council to ensure they are receiving care from a qualified and competent professional.
“‘Home-service’ injections or unlicensed providers offering medical-grade treatments for unbelievably low prices,” he added.
He also said aesthetic surgery in Malaysia performed by foreign doctors is a growing, yet highly regulated, sector that has recently faced intense scrutiny due to a rise in illegal, unlicensed practices.
On Premises, Dr Sim stressed that procedures must only be carried out in facilities registered with the Ministry of Health, equipped with proper tools, trained personnel, and emergency response protocols.
Citing data from the MOH, he said complaints involving complications from aesthetic procedures performed in unregistered and illegal premises have increased in recent years, including cases of disfigurement, infections, skin necrosis, blindness and even death.
“If you encounter any patients – or if your family members or relatives experience complications or have concerns regarding aesthetic procedures in Malaysia – it is important that these cases are reported to the MOH.
“This is particularly crucial when the procedures involve unlicensed practitioners, non-accredited premises, or unsatisfactory outcomes, even when performed by qualified doctors.
“Complaints can be submitted to the ministry through the Aesthetic Practice Unit via amp@moh.gov.my or ckaps.aduan@moh.gov.my,” said Dr Sim.
