01/07/2025
PRESS RELEASE - 1 JULY 2025
A DEFINING STEP FORWARD FOR MEDICAL SPECIALIST TRAINING IN MALAYSIA
The Malaysian Association for Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery (MATCVS) warmly welcomes and expresses our profound appreciation to YB Datuk Seri Dr. Haji Dzulkefly Ahmad, Minister of Health, for his decisive leadership and commitment in advancing the healthcare profession through the Medical Regulations (Amendment) 2025.
The successful progression of these regulatory amendments, approved by the Cabinet on 5 June 2024, passed in Parliament on 17 July 2024, and now enforced on 1 July 2025, represents a significant milestone in addressing long-standing issues surrounding the recognition and registration of medical specialists trained through the Parallel Pathway, while simultaneously strengthening the local Master’s training programmes.
This reform reflects a clear and courageous acknowledgment of the urgent need to expand specialist training opportunities in Malaysia in line with current and future healthcare demands. It also provides a structured, transparent, and legally sound framework for all training pathways, ensuring patient safety and upholding the highest standards of care.
The MATCVS views this development not just as a legal reform, but as a commitment to the future of our healthcare system and the sustainability of specialist services in critical fields such as cardiothoracic surgery.
We extend our gratitude to the Ministry of Health, and its Medical Development Division and the Legal Advisors Office, for their tireless work behind the scenes. Most of all, we commend the Minister of Health, YB Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, for delivering on a promise that will positively shape the future of medical specialist training in Malaysia.
MATCVS Executive Council
1 July 2025
