MCA Deputy President Dr Mah Hang Soon has raised strong concerns over the government’s “Rakan KKM” plan, which allows paying patients to receive faster access to public hospital services. He argued that such a system erodes healthcare fairness and creates a two-tier system based on wealth.
Implemented in hospitals such as Cyberjaya, Putrajaya, Serdang and the National Cancer Institute, the plan has drawn criticism for silently commercializing public healthcare.
Mah questioned whether junior doctors and nurses would shoulder more burden while senior doctors benefit financially. He warned that this could lead to abuse and corruption.
With a nationwide shortage of over 11,000 specialists and only 44% of required positions filled, Mah believes the Health Ministry should focus on addressing systemic shortcomings instead of promoting a VIP path for the wealthy.
“People also questioning the potential abuse of power that this plan might trigger. Will junior doctors and housemen bear the extra workload while senior doctors gain additional income? Who will ensure transparency and fairness throughout the implementation process? Will the nurses involved also benefit?”
“More concerning is whether public healthcare will gradually descend into an abyss of corruption. Will individuals, from registration staff to attending specialists, demand ‘bribes'”‘ at every stage in exchange for priority treatment?” he added.
He urged the government to explain why, despite increased taxation and claimed FDI under the “Madani” administration, the public health system remains underfunded and regular Malaysians must now pay to protect their health and dignity.
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