E-Book

MOH/P/BSKB/03.21(BK)-e
Ministry of Health Malaysia

STRATEGIC PLAN

ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCES DIVISION
&

ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONS
2021 - 2025

ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCES DIVISION
MINISTRY OF HEALTH MALAYSIA

STRATEGIC PLAN

ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCES DIVISION
&

ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONS
2021 - 2025

ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCES DIVISION
MINISTRY OF HEALTH MALAYSIA

Strategic Plan Allied Health Sciences Division & Allied Health Professions,
Ministry of Health Malaysia (2021 – 2025)
ISBN 978-967-0668-64-2
MOH/P/BSKB/03.21(BK)-e
© Policy & Strategic Planning Section, Allied Health Sciences Division 2021.
All rights reserved.
Published by
Policy & Strategic Planning Section
Allied Health Sciences Division
Ministry of Health Malaysia
Level 2, Block A
Chancery Place Main Building
Jalan Diplomatik 2
Presint Diplomatik, Presint 15
62650 Putrajaya MALAYSIA
Tel: +603 - 88901011
Faks: +603- 88901060
Website: https://alliedhealth.moh.gov.my
Disclaimer
Requests for permission to reproduce or translate Ministry of Health (MOH) publications –
whether for sale or for non-commercial distribution – should be addressed to MOH through
the MOH website (www.moh.gov.my). As the book is not proofread by any professional
English editor, some writing/ statement may need further clarification and verification from
the specific profession for better comprehension. The author assumes no responsibility or
liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this book. The information contained in
this book is provided on an "as is" basis which information is accurate and complete as of
the date of publication.
* Most of the pictures featured in this publica�on were taken before the COVID - 19 pandemic.

ISBN 978-967-0668-64-2

9789670668642

Printed in Malaysia by Percetakan ASI Sdn. Bhd., Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia

TABLE OF CONTENT

List of Figures i
List of Tables i
Foreword
iii
Chief Secretary, Ministry of Health Malaysia iv
Director-General of Health Malaysia v
Deputy Director-General of Health (Medical) vi
Director Allied Health Sciences Division vii
Executive Summary viii
List of Abbreviations and Acronyms
STRATEGIC PLAN ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCES DIVISION 3
Background 4
Functions and Scope of the Allied Health Sciences Division 4
Vision 4
Mission 4
Organisational Structure 8
The Role and Functions of the Allied Health Professions 8
Perfomances/ Achievements of AHSD 10
Issues and Challenges 13
Way Forward 14
Conclusion 16
Detailed Implementation Plan AHSD

STRATEGIC PLAN ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONS 23
35
1. Audiology 47
2. Biochemistry 59
3. Biomedical Science 71
4. Clinical Psychology 81
5. Counselling Psychology 91
6. Dental Technology 103
7. Diagnostic Radiography 113
8. Dietetics 123
9. Embryology 137
10. Entomology 149
11. Environmental Health 161
12. Foodservice (Healthcare) 173
13. Forensic Science 189
14. Health Education 205
15. Medical Genetics 217
16. Medical Laboratory Technology 227
17. Medical Physics 235
18. Medical Record 245
19. Medical Social Work 259
20. Microbiology 275
21. Nutrition 289
22. Occupational Therapy 301
23. Optometry 313
24. Physiotherapy 323
25. Radiation Therapy 333
26. Speech-Language Therapy
27. Tutor 343
344
References 346
Annex 1: Techical Committee 347
Annex 2: Reviewers
Annex 3: Contributors from Allied Health Professions

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1 Organisation Chart, Allied Health Sciences Division, Ministry of Health Malaysia 5
Figure 2 Achievement of IFitEr Programme for the Year 2017 - 2020 177
Figure 3 The Performance of the Quit Smoking Clinic for Six (6) Years in a Row 177
Figure 4 Number of Customer Presence at Wellness Hub in Year 2020 178
Figure 5 The Distribution of Wellness Hub in Malaysia 179
Figure 6 Strategic Approaches for Promoting Health through Sustainable Development 181

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1 Allied Health Professions, Ministry of Health Malaysia 6
Table 2 The Number of Outpatients and Newborns Hearing Screening Attended by Audiologists 27
in the Year 2017 - 2019
Table 3 Specialised Training and Attachment Abroad Attended by Audiologists 28
Table 4 The Number of Samples Attended by Biochemists in the Year 2017 - 2019 38
Table 5 Workload of Biomedical Scientists in the Year 2017 - 2019 50
Table 6 Number of Patients Attended by Clinical Psychologists in the Year 2017 - 2019 63
Table 7 Number of Clinical Psychologists in other Ministries 64
Table 8 The Number of Sessions Carried out from Year 2017 - 2019 75
Table 9 The Number of Services done by Dental Technologists in the Year 2017 - 2019 84
Table 10 Types of Specialisations or Post Basic Training Attended by Dental Technologists 85
Table 11 Norms Ratio of Dental Technologist to Dentist and Dental Specialist (MOH) 86
Table 12 The Number of Patients Attended by Diagnostic Radiographers in the Year 2017 - 2019 95
Table 13 The Innovations Programme Involved by Diagnostic Radiographers in the Year 2019/2020 95
Table 14 The Workload of Dietitians in the Year 2017 - 2019 107
Table 15 Number of IVF/ ICSI Cases from Year 2016 - 2019 116
Table 16 The Workload of Environmental Health Officer and Assistant Environmental Health 141
Officer from Year 2017 - 2019
Table 17 Enforcement Activities Conducted under Public Health Acts from Year 2017 - 2019 141
Table 18 Activities Related to Sanitation System, Water Supply and Water Treatment 142
Table 19 Number of Hospitals with In-House and Outsource Foodservice 152
Table 20 Key Performance Indicator for Foodservice at In-House and Outsource Hospitals 152
Table 21 The Number of Diets Served at In-House Hospitals in Year 2016 - 2018 152
Table 22 The Number of Diets Served at Outsource Hospitals in Year 2016 - 2018 153
Table 23 Education Background of Foodservice Officers and Foodservice Assistants 153
Table 24 Recognition on Food Safety Management System (FSMS) 153
Table 25 The Number of Hospitals that have Received Quality Certification 155
Table 26 The Workload of Forensic Scientists at Five (5) Laboratories in the Year 2016 - 2018 164
Table 27 List of Mass Casualty Management Activities 165
Table 28 The Postgraduate Programmes Attended by Forensic Scientists 165
Table 29 List of Hospitals with and without Forensic Laboratory Facilities 166
Table 30 Health Promotion Programmes and Activities with Various Initiatives 176
Table 31 The Annual Workload of Clinical Scientist (Medical Geneticist) Year 2017 - 2019 193

Strategic Plan of the Allied Health Sciences Division and Allied Health Professions Ministry of Health Malaysia 2021 – 2025 i

LIST OF TABLES

Table 32 Type of Laboratory Tests 208
Table 33 The Number of Samples Attended by Medical Laboratory Technologists in the Year 210
2017 - 2019
Table 34 The Number of Medical Laboratory Technologists Pursue Bachelors and Masters 210
Table 35 The Workload of Medical Physicists for Year 2019 220
Table 36 The Workloads of Medical Record Officers and Assistant Medical Record Officers 230
in the Year 2017 - 2019
Table 37 The Number of Patients Attended by Medical Social Workers in the Year 2017 - 2019 239
Table 38 The Number of Samples Attended by Microbiologists in the Year 2017 - 2019 249
Table 39 Types of Clients Seen by Nutritionists at the Government Health Clinics 263
Table 40 Area of Specialty of Nutritionists 264
Table 41 The Number of Patients Attended by Occupational Therapists in the Year 2017 - 2019 279
Table 42 The List of Quality Initiative and Research Projects 279
Table 43 The List of Occupational Therapists with Specialised Attachments 280
Table 44 The Number of Occupational Therapists with Credentialing 281
Table 45 The Total Number of Patients Attended by Optometrists According to Procedures in the 292
Year 2017 - 2019
Table 46 The List of Subspecialty Ophthalmology and Specialty Optometry 295
Table 47 The Numbers of Patients Attended by Physiotherapists in the Year 2017 - 2019 305
Table 48 List of Physiotherapy Quality Initiative Activities 305
Table 49 The Number of Physiotherapists based on Type of Training 307
Table 50 The List of Credentialing Procedures in Physiotherapy Profession 307
Table 51 Credentialing of Physiotherapists in Every State Based on Specialisation and Optional 308
Procedures
Table 52 The Number of Patients Attended by Radiation Therapists in the Year 2017 - 2019 316
Table 53 Types of Multidisciplinary and Interdisciplinary Teams Involved by Speech-Language 326
Therapists
Table 54 Types of Specialist Services Provided by Speech-Language Therapists 326
Table 55 The Number of Patients Attended by Speech-Language Therapists in the 327
Year 2017 - 2019
Table 56 Pre-Service Programmes Conducted by the Training Institution of MOH 336
Table 57 Specialisation Courses Conducted by the Training Institution of MOH 337

ii Strategic Plan of the Allied Health Sciences Division and Allied Health Professions Ministry of Health Malaysia 2021 – 2025

FOREWORD
CHIEF SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF HEALTH MALAYSIA

As the nation moves into the 12th Malaysia I put my hands together for the initiative taken
Plan 2021 - 2025, the Ministry of Health (MOH) by the Allied Health Sciences Division and
is committed to transforming healthcare and Allied Health Professions to integrate
providing more robust, holistic, and effective approaches and activities into a
services. A new resilient model of care driven comprehensive strategic plan under the 12th
by digital technology which focuses on value Malaysia Plan. This effort represents a
and customer outcome is paramount for visionary milestone for allied health in MOH to
efficient, better accessibility and affordable steer and invigorate the AHP services forward.
healthcare. The Allied Health Professions
(AHP) are an essential entity in this shared
commitment.
The development and implementation of the
Strategic Plan for Allied Health Sciences
Division and Allied Health Professions 2021 -
2025 is commendable. It is envisaged to move
allied health services forward in line with the
strategic direction of MOH. I strongly believe
this meticulously planned document will
warrant strong strategic leadership,
coordinated care plans, multidisciplinary
collaboration, public-private partnership
initiatives and effective governance for all allied
health services within MOH and other
agencies.
The coordinated effort around allied health
service enhancement, human capital
development, optimisation of resources,
emphasis on innovation in service delivery, and
digital technology transformation in this
document is the way forward for seamless,
customer-centric healthcare.

DATO’ MOHD SHAFIQ BIN ABDULLAH
CHIEF SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF HEALTH MALAYSIA

Strategic Plan of the Allied Health Sciences Division and Allied Health Professions Ministry of Health Malaysia 2021 – 2025 iii

FOREWORD
DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF HEALTH MALAYSIA

The Ministry of Health had endured enormous holistic, and effective strategic plans. To
challenges to materialise the vision construed further transform the national healthcare
in the 11th Malaysia Plan. We had to constantly system into a more efficient, effective,
adapt to address issues related to the fast accessible, affordable, and responsive
changing demography and epidemiology of the healthcare system, a new resilient model of
population, emerging and re-emerging care which focuses on value and driven by
diseases, escalating healthcare costs, rapidly digital technology is essential.
growing technology, economic instability, The transformation requires a strategic shift
increase in people’s expectations, and the from acute care to primary care particularly on
continuous battle against the COVID-19 the well being, prevention, and early
pandemic. intervention in the community. Therefore,
As we ascend into the 12th Malaysia Plan 2021 vigorous capacity building is vital to prepare
- 2025, the Ministry of Health (MOH) is healthcare providers to harness the
preparing to embark on the new frontiers, technology change and fulfil the demands of
manage issues and challenges with robust, the new way of health provision in the country.
More collaborative efforts are needed to
ensure a holistic, multidisciplinary, and
multisectoral involvement including public
private partnership service provision and
healthcare delivery.
Allied Health Professions (AHP) is an essential
part of the multi-disciplinary approach in
community, primary care, public health, and
hospital care. They play a critical role in
improving person-centric and population
health in the country by providing services
such as wellness, preventive, curative, and
rehabilitative care.
Therefore, the endeavour to develop this
comprehensive Strategic Plan of the Allied
Health Sciences Division (AHSD) and Allied
Health Professions (AHP), Ministry of Health
Malaysia 2021 - 2025 is timely and
commendable. I urge the AHSD and all allied
health practitioners to work together with other
divisions, programmes, and agencies in public
and private sectors to ensure the successful
implementation of this strategic framework, in
line with our local and global health
commitments.

TAN SRI DATO' SERI DR NOOR HISHAM BIN ABDULLAH
DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF HEALTH MALAYSIA

iv Strategic Plan of the Allied Health Sciences Division and Allied Health Professions Ministry of Health Malaysia 2021 – 2025

FOREWORD
DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF HEALTH (MEDICAL)

I am pleased to note that Allied Health I applaud the initiative and effort taken by the
Sciences Division (AHSD) has developed the AHSD, representatives from various
Strategic Plan for Allied Health Sciences professions and the working committee in
Division and Allied Health Professions Ministry developing this comprehensive document to
of Health Malaysia (2021 - 2025) aligned with ensure nationwide implementation of health
the Strategic Framework of the Medical agendas towards achieving WHO Universal
Programme 2021 - 2025. Health Coverage (UHC), Sustainable
This strategic plan will serve as a roadmap for Developmental Goals (SDG) and enhance the
AHSD and Allied Health Professions (AHP) to wellbeing of Malaysian.
determine directions and action plans to I am confident that this Strategic Plan of Allied
support overall health services along with allied Health Sciences Division and Allied Health
health professional's development in the Professions, Ministry of Health Malaysia 2021 -
country. 2025 will achieve its objectives to strengthen
I strongly believe in-depth discussions with and invigorate the AHP to move the nation's
AHP and relevant stakeholders have brought healthcare to the forefront.
about this valuable document. To ensure the
success of this strategic plan, a detailed
implementation plan with key indicators and
achievable targets is vital. All achievements
shall be acknowledged and progressively
propagated to other professions and services.
Unachievable targets shall be thoroughly
analysed, synthesised, and if needed,
reformed into new strategies. As such, an
accomplishment of this strategy is very much
dependent on precise, continuous monitoring
and evaluation.
I am sure AHP is ready to embrace the new
norms in technological innovations, with digital
platforms being/ an alternative mode of service
delivery as planned in this five-year plan.
Moreover, re-engineering work processes and
consolidation of resources in cluster systems
will create an improved healthcare
management system, which can help to save
cost, lead to efficient resource management,
better disease prevention, treatment and
rehabilitation in our community.

DATO’ DR. ASMAYANI BINTI KHALIB
DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL
OF HEALTH (MEDICAL)

Strategic Plan of the Allied Health Sciences Division and Allied Health Professions Ministry of Health Malaysia 2021 – 2025 v

FOREWORD
DIRECTOR ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCES DIVISION

The Strategic Plan for Allied Health Sciences AHP play a critical role and are the support pillars
Division and Allied Health Professions, Ministry of of the healthcare team. AHP are involved in
Health Malaysia (2021 - 2025) has been delivering health or related services, with
developed with the focus on key areas including expertise contributing to therapeutic, diagnostic,
allied health service enhancement, optimisation of curative, preventive and rehabilitative
resources, human capital strengthening, interventions. Working alongside doctors, nurses
consolidation of Allied Health Professions (AHP) and public health officers in inter/ multidisciplinary
governance while harnessing technology and health teams to promote, protect, treat and
digital transformation in service provision without manage a person(‘s) physical, mental, social,
compromising quality and safety. The five-year emotional, environmental health and holistic
implementation plan is parallel to the main wellbeing. Thus, AHP services are an essential
strategies in the Strategic Framework of the entity in the multidisciplinary approach in
Medical Programme 2021 - 2025, the direction of community, primary care, public health and
the Public Health Programme and other hospital care.
programmes in the Ministry of Health Malaysia Representatives from AHP as well as other
(MOH) to provide comprehensive world-class stakeholders were involved in the development of
healthcare. this document. The process of writing this
strategic plan included an analysis and broad
review of past AHP successes, disparities
between medical and public health systems, the
need for primary care improvement and
evaluation of various AHP issues and challenges.
I believe allied health capacity enhancement in
innovations, automation and harnessing digital
healthcare as the new way of delivering services
can augment the quality of care and bring better
outcomes for clients. AHP’s pivotal role in
public-private collaborations and the significance
of working in a clustering system to support the
nations’ healthcare transformation is also
addressed in this strategic plan. Moving forward, a
comprehensive monitoring and evaluation plan
shall be established.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude and
appreciation to the working committee and
representatives from all the professions for their
commitment and working tirelessly to ensure the
strategic plan developed is relevant, progressive
and beneficial to the people and nation.

MADAM HAJAH FARINA BINTI ZULKERNAIN
DIRECTOR

ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCES DIVISION
MINISTRY OF HEALTH MALAYSIA

vi Strategic Plan of the Allied Health Sciences Division and Allied Health Professions Ministry of Health Malaysia 2021 – 2025

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Strategic Plan for Allied Health Sciences Division and Allied Health Professions, Ministry of
Health Malaysia (2021 - 2025) will serve as a roadmap for AHSD and AHP to determine directions
and action plan to support overall health services along with allied health professional’s
development in the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH). It will help ensure clarity of strategic
direction, co-ordinated planning, cross-professional collaboration and effective clinical governance
for all allied health services within MOH.
This is a unique attempt to incorporate AHSD and AHP initiatives and activities in a strategic plan
that provides focused guidance on strengthening core elements of allied health services, enhancing
human resource capacity and capability, and setting up effective planning for the workforce. This
approach is anticipated to respond dynamically to the ever changing and increasing demands,
advancing technologies, challenges and opportunities for the allied health workforce in MOH.
The Strategic Plan is developed with an emphasis on critical areas, including allied health service
enhancement, human capital strengthening, optimisation of resources, strengthening AHP
governance, harnessing technology and digital transformation in service delivery without
compromising quality and safety. The five-year development plan is in line with the key strategies
of the Strategic Framework of Medical Programme 2021 - 2025, the Public Health Programme and
other programmes to provide integrated, world-class healthcare.
In the multidisciplinary approach to community, primary care, public health and hospital care, AHP
services are vital. The allied health practitioners play a crucial role in improving the health of
individuals and communities through the provision of wellbeing, preventive, curative and
rehabilitative care services. Therefore, to publish this document, AHP and relevant stakeholders
were engaged. In the course of writing this strategic plan, broad analysis and assessment on the
AHP achievements during the 11th Malaysia Plan, discrepancies between medical and public
health facilities, need for enhancement of primary care, evaluation of various issues and challenges
of AHP were performed. Special emphasis is given to consolidate resources and enhance service
provision in cluster hospitals/ health clinics to optimise resources and save costs.
Next, the working group will develop a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation plan. The plan is
essential to ensure this Strategic Plan of Allied Health Sciences Division and Allied Health
Profession, Ministry of Health Malaysia, 2021 - 2025, will achieve its objectives to strengthen and
invigorate the AHP to move the nation’s healthcare forward.

Strategic Plan of the Allied Health Sciences Division and Allied Health Professions Ministry of Health Malaysia 2021 – 2025 vii

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

3MCPD 3-Monochloropropane Diol DXA Dual X-Ray Absorptiometry
9MP 9th Malaysia Plan ECA European Cytogeneticists Association
10MP 10th Malaysia Plan EGFRm Epidermal Growth factor Receptor-mutation
11MP 11th Malaysia Plan EH Environmental Health
12MP 12th Malaysia Plan EHC Ear And Hearing Care
ABR Auditory Brainstem Response EHO Environmental Health Officer
ACP Advance Competency Programme ELIOS Environmental Legal Information Observatory System
Act 154 Destruction of Disease Bearing Insects Act 1975 EMR Electronic Medical Record
Act 342 Prevention and Control of Infectious Disease Act 1988 EMS Elderly Mobility Scale
Act 549 Standard of Malaysia Act 1996 ENP Enteral Nutrition Product
Act 774 Allied Health Professions Act 2016 ENT Ear, Nose, and Throat
ADL Activities of Daily Living EOEE Early-Onset Epileptic Encephalopathies
ADBI Advanced Diploma in Breast Imaging ESP Extended Scope Practitioner
ADCT Advanced Diploma in CT Scan ERNDIM European Research Network for evaluation and
ADCV Advanced Diploma in Caardiovascular improvement of screening, Diagnosis and treatment of
AEHO Assistant Environmental Health Officer Inherited Disorders of Metabolism
AFAS Australian Fumigation Accreditation Scheme ESHRE European Society of Human Reproductive and
AGS AVIS Glasses Scheme Embryology
AHP Allied Health Professions EQA External Quality Assessment
AHSD Allied Health Sciences Division ESWL Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy
AI Artificial Intelligence FBC Full Blood Count
AIH Artificial Insemination of Husband’s Sperm FCTC Framework Convention on Tobacco Control
AKS Ahli Kaji Serangga FDG Fluorodeoxyglucose
AMM Academy of Medicine of Malaysia FET Frozen Embryo Transfer
AMRMC Annual Malaysian Rehabilitation Medicine Conference FFDM Full Field Digital Mammography
AMRO Assistant Medical Record Officer FIES Food Insecurity Experience Scale
ANMS Agenda Nasional Malaysia Sihat/ Malaysia National FISH Fluorescence In Situ Hybridisation
Health Plan FM Frequency Modulation
AR Aural Rehabilitation fMRI Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
ART Assisted Reproductive Technology FSH Follicle-Stimulating Hormone
ASDG Australasian Society of Diagnostic Genomics FSMS Food Safety Management System
ASPIRE Asia Pacific Initiative on Reproduction GAD Generalised Anxiety Disorder
ATM Angkatan Tentera Malaysia/ Malaysian Army Force GBOD Global Burden of Disease study
AVIS Amblyopia and Visual Impairment Screening GCP Good Clinical Practice
BAKAS Bekalan Air Masyarakat dan Kebersihan Sekeliling/ Water GENOVASI Generation and Innovation
Supply and Environmental Sanitation GENQA Genomic Quality Assessment
BBIS Blood Bank Information System GFS Gravity Feed System
BER Beyond Economical Repair GLP Good Laboratory Practice
BFHI Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative GMP Good Manufacturing Practices
BHSM Better Hearing and Speech Month GO Government Organisation
BKRP Bahagian Kawalselia Radiasi Perubatan/ Medical GWG Gestational Weight Gain
Radiation Surveillance Division H&E Hematoxylin and Eosin
BMD Becker Muscular Dystrophy HACCP Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point
BRCA1 Breast Cancer 1 HCL Healthier Choices Logo
BRCA2 Breast Cancer 2 HePiLI Health Promotion in Learning Institutions
Bti Bacillus Thuringiensis Israelensis HBUK Hospital Bahagia Ulu Kinta
CAD-CAMMS Computer Aided Design –Computer Aided Molding HBV Hepatitis B Virus
CAKUT Machine Setting HCTM Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz
CAPAM Congenital Anomalies of the Kidney and Urinary Tract HCV Hepatitis C Virus
Commonwealth Association for Public Administration and HFMD Hand Foot & Mouth Disease
Management HIS Hospital Information System
CAPD Central Auditory Processing Disorders HiTS Program Hidangan Berkhasiat di Sekolah/ School Meal
CaRC Cancer Research Centre Programme
CBBP Cuti Belajar Bergaji Penuh HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus
CBRNE Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and HKL Hospital Kuala Lumpur
Explosives HLP Hadiah Latihan Persekutuan/ Government Scholarship
CBT Cognitive Behavioural Therapy HMBPS Hospital Mesra Bukit Padang Sabah
CDC Communicable Disease Centre HPE Histopathological Examination
CHAT Cara Hidup Anda Terbaik HPJB Hospital Permai Johor Bharu
CME Continuing Medical Education HPI Health Promoting Institutions
COMBI Communication for Behavioural Impact HPP Hospital Pulau Pinang
COVID-19 Coronavirus Disease 2019 HPV Human Papilloma-virus
CPECS Cluster Primary Eye Care Services HPV DNA Human Papilloma-virus Deoxyribonucleic Acid
CPG Clinical Practice Guidelines HRC Hospital Rehabilitasi Cheras
CP Clinical Psychologist HRH Human Resource for Health
CPD Continuous Professional Development HRPB Hospital Raja Permasuri Bainun
CR Computed Radiography HRPZII Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II
CRC Clinical Research Centre HQ Headquarter
CSI Crime Scene Investigation HQE Hospital Queen Elizabeth
CSMG Clinical Scientist (Medical Geneticist) HSNZ Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah
CST Cognitive Stimulation Therapy HSS Hospital Sentosa Sarawak
CT Computerised Tomography HTA Hospital Tunku Azizah
CV Coefficient of Variance HUSM Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia
DBC Disease Based Counselling IAEA International Atomic Energy Agency
DCR Diploma College of Radiographers IAPB International Agency of Prevention of Blindness
DDBIA 1975 Destruction of Disease Bearing Insects Act 1975 ICD International Classification of Diseases
DIP Detailed Implementation Plan I-COUNNOVAS International Counselling Innovation Showcase &
DISH Dual In-Situ Hybridisation Competition
DM Diabetes Mellitus ICT Information and Communication Technology
DNA Deoxyribonucleic Acid ICSI Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection
D-Psych Doctor of Psychology Degree IDAT Independent Donor Advocates Team
DR Digital Radiography IEM Inborn Errors of Metabolism
DRMP Diagnostic Radiology for Medical Physicist IFEH International Federation of Environmental Health
DSR Diploma Society of Radiographers IfitEr I Fit and Eat Right Programme
DSR (T) Diploma Society of Radiographers (Therapy) IGRT Image Guided Radiotherapy
DTAM Design Thinking Association of Malaysia IICE International Innovation Invention and Creation
Exhibition

viii Strategic Plan of the Allied Health Sciences Division and Allied Health Professions Ministry of Health Malaysia 2021 – 2025

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

IKU Institut Kesihatan Umum/ Institute of Public Health MOE Ministry of Education
ILKKM Institut Latihan Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia/ Ministry MOH Ministry of Health
IMR of Health Malaysia Training Institution MoHE Ministry of Higher Education
IMRT Institute for Medical Research MoKWE Modul Kesejateraan Psikologi Warga Emas
INSAN Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy MoSCo Modified Slope Container
INTAN Institut Latihan Kesihatan Angkatan Tentera/ Armed MOSTI Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation
INSTUN Forces Health Training Institution MQA Malaysian Qualification Accreditation
IoT Institut Tadbiran Awam Negara MQA Malaysia Qualifications Agency
IQC Institut Tanah & Ukur Negara MRC IGMM Medical Research Council Institute of Genetics and
IP Internet of Things MRO Molecular Medicine
IPFN Internal Quality Control MRI Medical Record Officers
IPM Investigational Product MSC Magnetic Resonance Imaging
IPR Institut Perubatan Forensik Negara/ National Forensic MSN Multimedia Super Corridor
IPT Medicine Institute MSW Majlis Sukan Negara/ National Sports Council
IPTA Integrated Pest Management MWFCD Medical Social Worker
IPTK Institut Perubatan Respiratori/ Institute of Respiratory MWI Ministry of Women, Family & Community Development
IPTS Medicine MyFCD Meals on Wheels Initiative
IR 4.0 Institut Pengajian Tinggi/ Institute of Higher Education NAT Malaysian Food Composition Database
IRM Institut Pengajian Tinggi Awam/ Public Institute of Higher NASPAL Nucleic Acid Testing
IRS Education NBC National Strategic Plan for Active Living
ISBT Institut Penyelidikan Tingkahlaku Kesihatan/ Institute for NCC National Blood Centre
ISN Health Behavioural Research NCCFN National Credentialing Committee
ISO Institut Pengajian Swasta/ Private Institute of Higher NCD National Coordinating Committee on Food and Nutrition
IT Education NCI Non-Communicable Disease
ITEX Fourth Industrial Revolution NEHC National Cancer Institute
ITN Insecticide Resistant Management NEQAP National Ear and Hearing Care
I TRY IT Insecticide Residual Spray NEQAS National External Quality Assessment Programme
IUI International Society Blood Transfusion NES National External Quality Assessment Service
IVF Institut Sukan Negara/ National Sports Institute NGO National Eye Survey
IVM International Organisation for Standardisation NGS Non-Governmental Organisation
IVPM Information Technology NHCQI Next Generation Sequencing
JAK2 International Invention, Innovation & Technology Exhibition NHMS National Health Care Quality Indicator
JE Insecticide-Treated Net NHS National Health & Morbidity Survey
JICA ISBT Transfusion Research Young Investigator Training NHS Newborn Hearing Screening Programme
JKN Intrauterine Insemination NIA National Health Service
JKR In-Vitro Fertilisation NIH National Indicator Approach
JKWP Integrated Vector Management NMMP National Institute of Health
JKWPKL Integrated Vector and Pest Management NPANM Nuclear Medicine Medical Physicists
JPA Janus Kinase 2 NPHL National Plan of Action for Nutrition of Malaysia
KIK Japanese Encephalitis NSCLC National Public Health Laboratory
KK Japan International Cooperation Agency O&G Non-Small-Cell Lung Carcinoma
KK-KKM Jabatan Kesihatan Negeri/ State Health Department OBB Obstetrics & Gynaecology
KKIA Jabatan Kerja Raya OHD Outcome Based Budgeting
KPI Jabatan Kesihatan Wilayah Persekutuan OIS Oral Health Division
KPSL Jabatan Kesihatan Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur OPG Oncology Information System
KUP Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam/ Public Service Department ORL Orthopantomography
KWKK Kumpulan Inovatif dan Kreatif OSCA Otorhinolaryngology
LBW Klinik Kesihatan/ Health Clinic OSCC One Stop Centre for Addiction
LIS Klinik Katarak Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia OT One Stop Crisis Centre
LPPKN Klinik Kesihatan Ibu Anak P&P Occupational Therapist
LSM Key Performance Indicator PACS Pengurusan dan Profesional/ Management and
LTAT Kenaikan Pangkat Secara Lantikan PAH Professional
M&E Khas Untuk Penyandang PAWE Picture Archiving and Communication System
MAC Kompleks Wanita, Kanak-Kanak & Kardiovaskular PCF Profession of Allied Health
MAEH Low Birth Weight PCO Pusat Aktiviti Warga Emas
MAHPC Laboratory Information System PCR Community Feeding Programme
MAHSA Lembaga Penduduk dan Pembangunan Keluarga Negara/ PEARL Pest Control Operators
MASCO National Population and Family Development Board PEKA B40 Polymerase Chain Reaction
MBOR Larval Source Management PERKAMA Program Ekspresi Anak Remaja Lestari
MCO Laboratory Turn Around Time PESA Skim Peduli Kesihatan for the B40 group
MCY Monitoring and Evaluation PET-CT Persatuan Kaunselor Malaysia/ Counselling Association
MDD Mother Accompanying Child PFA of Malaysia
MEP Malaysia Association of Environmental Health PFGE Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration
MEN1 Malaysian Allied Health Professions Council PGD Positron Emission Tomography – Computed Tomography
MENTARI Malaysian Allied Health Sciences Academy University PGD-PGS Psychological First Aid
MHCC Malaysian Audiology Scientific Conference PhD Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis
MHPSS Medical Brief of Requirements PHL Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis
MI Movement Control Order PJM Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis- Preimplantation
MIMLS Malaysia Commercialisation Year PKD Genetic Screening
MKA Major Depressive Disorder PKKN Doctor of Philosophy
ML Malaria Eradication Programme PoE Public Health Laboratories
MLT Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 Poi Penyelia Jenis Makanan
MMRT Pusat Kesihatan Mental Komuniti PORes Pejabat Kesihatan Daerah/ District Health Office
MNGIE Mental Health Community Centre PPD Pusat Kawalan Kusta Negara/ National Leprosy Centre
MNT Mental Health & Support Service PPP Points of Entry
MO Motivational Interviewing PPP-PEC Primary Ovaarian Insufficiency
Malaysian Institute of Medical Laboratory Sciences PPUM Power of Resilience
Makmal Kesihatan Awam/ Public Health Laboratories PRO Pejabat Pendidikan Daerah
Machine Learning PROSIS Public Private Partnership
Medical Laboratory Technologist PSG Public Private Partnership – Primary Eye Care
Myanmar Medical Radiation Technologist PSP Pusat Perubatan Universiti Malaya
Mitochondrial Neuro-gastrointestinal Encephalopathy Public Relation Officer
Medical Nutrition Therapy Program Siswa Sihat
Medical Officer Parent Support Group
Pegawai Sains (Pemakanan)

Strategic Plan of the Allied Health Sciences Division and Allied Health Professions Ministry of Health Malaysia 2021 – 2025 ix

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

PT Physiotherapist STD Standard Deviation
PT Proficiency Testing SUL Standardised Uptake Volume Normalised to Lean Body
PTAs Parent-Teacher Associations SUV Mass
PUI Person Under Investigation TAMRT Standardised Uptake Values
PZM Pegawai Sains (Zat Makanan) TAP Taiwan Association of Medical Radiation Technologists
QA Quality Assurance TAT Thorax, Abdomen and Pelvis
QAP Quality Assurance Programme TB Turn Around Time
QC Quality Control TBC Tuberculosis
QCT Quantitative Computerised Tomography TBI Total Blood Count
QMS Quality Management System TBP Total Body Irradiation
QS Quality System TEa Tabung Bantuan Perubatan
QUATRO Quality Assurance Team in Radiation Oncology TESA Total Allowable Error
R&D Research and Development TESE Testicular Epididymis Sperm Aspiration
RELA Jabatan Sukarelawan Malaysia TML Testicular Epididymis Sperm Extraction
RESP Rural Environmental Sanitation Programme TOT Transfusion Microbiology Laboratory
RIS Radiology Information System TTI Training of Trainers
ROMP Radiotherapy Oncology for Medical Physicist TWG Transfusion Transmitted Infection
RTT Radiation Therapist UEP Technical Working Group
SAMM Skim Akreditasi Makmal Malaysia/ Laboratory UHC Unit Entomologi & Pest
SBRT Accreditation Scheme of Malaysia UIAM Universal Health Coverage
SCA Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy UiTM Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia
SCAN Spinocerebellar Ataxia UK Universiti Teknologi MARA
SDG Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect Team UKM United Kingdom
SDI Sustainable Developmental Goals UM Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
SDRL Standard Deviation Index UNICEF Universiti Malaya
SIMPAK Specialised Diagnostics Reference Laboratory UNSCEAR United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund
SIRIM Sistem Mencuci Pinggan Mangkuk Premis Makanan UPK United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of
SLT Kerian UPM Atomic Radiation
SMART Standard and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia UPSI Unit Pendidikan Kesihatan/ Health Education Unit
SME Speech-Language Therapist USA Universiti Putra Malaysia
SMIS Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant & Timely USM Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris
SMRP Subject Matter Expert USMRU United State of America
SPAL Specimen Management Information System VBDCP Universiti Sains Malaysia
SPAK Sistem Maklumat Rawatan Pelanggan VMAT United State Medical Research Unit
SPECT-CT Sistem Pelupusan Air Limbah/ Waste Water Disposal VRI Vector Borne Disease Control Programme
SPSK System WCPT Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy
SPSP Sistem Perlimbahan Air Kerian WEHD Veterinary Research Institute
SRKP Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography WES World Confederation of Physical Therapy
SRS Sistem Pelupusan Sampah Kerian WFOT World Environmental Health Day
SRT Sistem Pelupusan Sisa Pepejal/ Solid Waste Disposal WGS Whole Exome Sequencing
SRS/SRT System WH World Federation of Occupational Therapy
SSB Sistem Rekod Kes Pesakit WHD Whole Genome Sequencing
SSM Stereotactic Radiosurgery WHO Wellness Hub
STR Stereotactic Radiotherapy WIM World Hearing Day
SOP Stereotactic Radiosurgery/ Stereotactic Radiotherapy WISN World Health Organization
SPB Sistem Saraan Baru/ New Remuneration System WoW Written Instruction Material
Sistem Saraan Malaysia/ Malaysian Remuneration WRA Workload Indicated Staffing Need
System YDL Wellness on Wheels
Specific Technical Requirements Women of Reproductive Age
Standard Operating Procedure Years Lost Due to Disability
Skim Perkhidmatan Bersepadu/ Integrated Services
Scheme

x Strategic Plan of the Allied Health Sciences Division and Allied Health Professions Ministry of Health Malaysia 2021 – 2025

Strategic Plan of the Allied Health Sciences Division and Allied Health Professions Ministry of Health Malaysia 2021 – 2025 xi

xii Strategic Plan of the Allied Health Sciences Division and Allied Health Professions Ministry of Health Malaysia 2021 – 2025

STRATEGIC PLAN
ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCES DIVISION

AHSD

2 Strategic Plan of the Allied Health Sciences Division and Allied Health Professions Ministry of Health Malaysia 2021 – 2025

Background AHSD

The Allied Health Sciences Division (AHSD) is one (1) of the five (5) Divisions that make up the Medical
Programme, Ministry of Health Malaysia's (MOH). AHSD was established on 1 Jun 2006 to support the
Allied Health Professions (AHP) in Malaysia’s specific service requirements and professional
development.
The preliminary discussion to establish AHSD was started in the late 1990s as a result of the idea to
develop the Allied Health Professions Act to govern AHP. In fact, the discussion on the enacting legislation
has been dialogued since 1987 (MIMLS News 96/1). Subsequently, the working committee presented the
proposal to establish AHSD to the Honourable Dato’ Chua Jui Meng, Minister of Health of Malaysia, on 3
May 1996. The session was represented by the Malaysian Medical Association, Malaysian Dental
Association, Pharmaceutical Society of Malaysia, Malaysian Association of Pathologists, College of
Surgeons Malaysia, Anaesthesiology Association, and Clinical Biochemistry Society.

1996 2008 2016 2020
-
AHSD started Gazette of - 1st MAHPC established
2006 operation Act 774 - Allied Health Professions
Allied Health Unit,
Medical Development Regulation (Fees) endorsed
Division, MOH - Commencement of Act 774

AHSD The Core Team Restructuring
established for Allied Health of AHSD
Professions Act
2006 established 2017

2013

The AHSD was officially established on 1 Jun sections were established, namely the
2006, with the Waran Perbendaharaan Bil.S.58, Professional Development Section, the Quality
with one (1) Director position. Several meetings Section, the Research & Development Section,
discussing the AHSD’s organisational structure and the Administration Section, to carry out the
took place at Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL). On 14 functions and activities related to allied health in
Nov 2006, the MOH’s Human Resources Division MOH. As a result, 35 posts from various allied
agreed on the proposed organisational structure in health schemes and posts were authorised on 15
Mesyuarat Mewujudkan Jawatan di Bahagian Jul 2008 to accommodate these functions.
Sains Kesihatan Bersekutu. On 23 Jan 2007, Initially, the AHSD was temporarily housed in the
Jawatankuasa Penyediaan Kertas Kerja Medical Development Division until it moved to the
Cadangan Struktur Organisasi, Bahagian Sains Main Building of Chancery Place, Presint 15,
Kesihatan Bersekutu, KKM submitted the Putrajaya, in February 2011. In addition, to
paperwork for approval to the Human Resource accommodate the expanding functions and
Division, MOH. activities, new positions in the Waran Perjawatan
In 2008, the Malaysian Treasury approved 35 Perbendaharaan Bil: 42/2011 and Waran
posts from various schemes and grades, including Perjawatan Perbendaharaan Bil: 29/2014
two (2) Special Grade C, through the Waran approved bringing the total number of workforce to
Perjawatan Perbendaharaan Bil. S.159. The first 57 from various allied health professions.
Director was YBhg. Dato’ Tan Yoke Hwa, a AHSD was restructured in 7 Jun 2017 to meet new
dietitian from HKL. organisational functions, as the Allied Health
On 1 Nov 2008, the AHSD took over the Professions Act 2016 (Act 774) gazette on 18 Feb
administrative work from the Allied Health Unit, 2016. The core team involved in Act 774 was
Medical Development Division, MOH. In the assigned to a Secretariat in the new structure until
beginning, the AHSD was responsible for the Malaysian Allied Health Professions Council
professional development, planning of policies, (MAHPC) appointment to coordinate and perform
and enhancing AHP services. As a result, four (4) activities related to the act. In addition, to work on

Strategic Plan of the Allied Health Sciences Division and Allied Health Professions Ministry of Health Malaysia 2021 – 2025 3

AHSD the regulatory function for implementing Act 774, Organisational Structure
Legislation & Prosecution, Complaints &
Investigation was established under Regulatory The Director of the AHSD is assisted by two (2)
Section. Senior Deputy Directors who oversee the Policy &
The Minister of Health, the Honourable Dato’ Seri Development Branch and Practice & Enforcement
Dr Adham bin Baba, consented 1 Jul 2020 as the Branch. There are five (5) Deputy Directors in
date for the commencement of Allied Health charge of the Policy & Strategic Planning Section,
Professions Act 2016 along with the Allied Health Development Section, Practice Section,
Professions Regulations (Fees) 2020. The 1st Enforcement Section and Secretariat for MAHPC.
MAHPC was also established on the 9 Jul 2020 The Administration & Finance Unit, Information
and 23 representatives from each allied health Management Unit and the Secretariat for MAHPC
profession appointed as the member of the report directly to the Director of the AHSD as in
Council. Figure 1.

Functions and Scope of the Allied Vision
Health Sciences Division AHSD aims to strive for
excellence in the
The AHSD is responsible for the governance and healthcare services
professional development of AHP within the MOH, provided by allied health
from clinical, laboratory and public health services. professionals towards
In addition, the AHSD develops and implements the wellbeing of the
strategies, policies, practice standards and people.
recommendations related to allied health service
delivery and development of AHP in MOH. The Mission
aim is to ensure the allied health practitioners
provide safe, effective, efficient and high-quality The AHSD will ensure the
care with optimisation of resources and provision of quality, safe,
technology. and effective healthcare,
AHSD is committed to improving allied health enhance the competency
services, skills and human resource capabilities to of allied health
meet service demands while ensuring that the professionals through
right individual is doing the right job in the right continuing education,
place. At all levels and settings, the AHSD evidence-based practices
oversees the training, credentialing process, and compliance to
competency evaluation, workforce planning and standards and
career advancement pathway for AHP. Therefore, establishing networking
to have allied health professionals with high and partnership with
professional skill and competency in both the various sectors.
public and private sectors, the AHSD collaborates
with researchers, associations and allied health
professional bodies in many activities. In general,
AHSD works to provide national leadership that
shapes and supports the contribution made by
allied health professionals to national health and
wellbeing.
Starting from 1 Jul 2020, Allied Health Professions
Act 2016 (Act 774) came into effect, and the
Malaysian Allied Health Professions Council
(MAHPC) was established. The Allied Health
Sciences Division (AHSD), Ministry of Health is
responsible for enforcing Act 774. A secretariat
within AHSD will be facilitating administratively to
the MAHPC in regulating the Allied Health
Professions in Malaysia's public and private
sector.

4 Strategic Plan of the Allied Health Sciences Division and Allied Health Professions Ministry of Health Malaysia 2021 – 2025

AHSD

Figure 1: Organisation Chart, Allied Health Sciences Division, Ministry of Health Malaysia

DIRECTOR

POLICY & PRACTICE &
DEVELOPMENT ENFORCEMENT

BRANCH BRANCH

POLICY & DEVELOPMENT PRACTICE ENFORCEMENT SECRETARIAT
STRATEGIC SECTION SECTION SECTION MAHPC
PLANNING
REGISTRATION
SECTION UNIT

POLICY UNIT PROFESSION SERVICE INVESTIGATION & ADMINISTRATION ACCREDITATION
DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT ENFORCEMENT & FINANCE UNIT &
UNIT
UNIT UNIT EXPERTISE UNIT

QUALITY & HUMAN TRAINING & LEGISLATION & INFORMATION DISCIPLINARY &
RESEARCH UNIT RESOURCES COMPETENCY PROSECUTION MANAGEMENT ETHICS UNIT

UNIT UNIT UNIT UNIT

Strategic Plan of the Allied Health Sciences Division and Allied Health Professions Ministry of Health Malaysia 2021 – 2025 5

AHSD The Ministry of Health has 30 types of Allied The Director-General of Health appoints Head of
Health Professions divided into Clinical, Professions for every allied health profession in
Laboratory, and Public Health groups. AHSD MOH. The Heads of Professions are responsible
currently governing 28 professions as in Table 1. for facilitating initiatives related to professional
The dental therapy and assistant pharmacy are development, training, competency enhancement,
administered by the respective divisions. improving service quality and standard, providing
However, only 23 professions are listed in the expert guidance, and promoting research and
second schedule under Allied Health Professions development activities in their profession.
Act 2016 (Act 774). The Malaysian Optical More than 31,000 allied health professionals are
Council, Malaysian Food Analyst Council, Board working in MOH, delivering direct patient care or
of Counsellors, and Atomic Energy Licensing assisting in promotion, prevention, diagnosis,
Board oversee professions or activities related to treatment, and rehabilitation. More than 40,000
optometrists, food technologists, counsellors, and public and private allied health professionals are
medical physicist. expected to be registered and regulated under Act
774 in the near future.

Table 1: Allied Health Professions, Ministry of Health Malaysia

CLINICAL GROUP LABORATORY GROUP PUBLIC HEALTH GROUP
Nutrition*
Optometry Microbiology* Food Technology
Dietetics* Medical Genetics* Environmental Health*
Health Education*
Speech-Language Therapy* Medical Laboratory Technology* Entomology*
Audiology* Biochemistry*
Clinical Psychology* Dental Technology*

Counselling Psychology Biomedical Science*

Physiotherapy* Forensic Science*
Occupational Therapy* Embryology*

Medical Social Work*

Medical Physics*

Diagnostic Radiography*

Radiation Therapy*

Dental Therapy

Assistant Pharmacy
Food Service (Healthcare)*

Medical Record
Tutor

Source: Allied Health Sciences Division, MOH
* Professions regulated in Act 774

6 Strategic Plan of the Allied Health Sciences Division and Allied Health Professions Ministry of Health Malaysia 2021 – 2025



AHSD The Role and Functions of the As in many countries, AHP is an autonomous
Allied Health Professions practitioner working together with doctors, nurses,
pharmacists and other medical practitioners to
Allied health professionals make up about a third provide holistic person-centred treatment as part
of Malaysia’s healthcare workforce and are of a multidisciplinary team. AHPs are trained to
regarded as one (1) of the country’s healthcare assist in evaluating medical problems and provide
pillars. AHPs operate in hospitals, health centres, interventions to maintain and improve the
research institutions, laboratories, academic, community’s physical, social, and mental
primary care, and community settings in both the well-being. They are an integral part of
private and public health industries. person-centred care. Individuals with chronic
A wide variety of occupations are reflected in the conditions can benefit from AHP’s special
allied health workforce. Each profession has expertise, skills, and enabling approach to help
specific qualifications, expertise, training them live well with their conditions with fewer
pathways, nature of job and service delivery complications. AHP interventions are also effective
requirements. in helping people recover movement and mobility,
overcome vision problems, improve nutritional
status, and improve communication and living
skills, all of which help them maintain and enjoy a
high quality of life, even though they are dealing
with life-limiting conditions.

Performances/ Achievements of AHSD

The AHSD and AHP in Malaysia, as well as other medical professionals in the healthcare sector, have
progressed through many stages and achieved remarkable success. The AHSD has played a key role in
ensuring that allied health professionals in primary, secondary, and tertiary care provide safe, reliable,
accessible, and high-quality value-added care. The following are some of the accomplishments:

07 01 02

AHP Profile Legislation for Subject Matter
Allied Health
Professions Expert (SME)

among AHP

06 PERFORMANCES/ 03
ACHIEVEMENTS
World Health Strengthening Provision
Organization (WHO) OF AHSD of AHP Services
Budget
Programme

05 04

Training and Credentialing
Professional for AHP
Development

8 Strategic Plan of the Allied Health Sciences Division and Allied Health Professions Ministry of Health Malaysia 2021 – 2025

1. Legislation for Allied Health Professions physiotherapy, occupational therapy, optometry, AHSD
radiation therapy and speech-language therapy) in
On 1 Jul 2020, the Allied Health Professions Act various procedures. This credentialing is a
2016 (Act 774) took effect, governing 23 types of process to enhance allied health competency and
allied health professions as specified in the strengthen service provision by professionals in
Second Schedule. The Allied Health Profession the advanced core, specialised and optional
(Fees) 2020 regulations have been in effect since procedures in related fields.
1 Jul 2020, according to a gazette released by the 5. Training and Professional Development
Attorney General’s Chambers on 25 Jun 2020. Recognising the importance of human capital
These regulations set the rate of fees for matters development to meet client demand and
relating to the application and issuance of the healthcare transformation in years to come, the
certificate of registration and practice license of the AHSD supports continuous professional
AHP in Malaysia. development. The MOH is committed to providing
scholarship for postgraduate studies as an
The Malaysian Allied Health Professions Council initiative to strengthen the human resources
(MAHPC) was established on 9 Jul 2020, with the potential and capacity in the public sector. A total
mission of registering and licensing allied health of 17 postgraduate scholarships were awarded in
practitioners, establishing qualifications and the year 2018, 30 in 2019 and increased to 36 in
prerequisites, and regulating registered 2020 for allied health professionals. Until the end
practitioners' practice, ethics, and professional of 2018, 45 allied health professionals managed to
conduct. complete a PhD in various allied health fields. The
master’s degree has been obtained by another
2. Subject Matter Expert (SME) among AHP 991 officers (excluding 32 clinical psychologists
with master’s qualification as entry-level). The
During the 11th Malaysia Plan (11MP), the Public Training Need Analysis and Training Plan has
Service Department of Malaysia authorised 21 been developed and regularly revised to address
allied health specialty areas for allied health the demand for healthcare competency.
practitioners to be recognised as Special Matter 6. World Health Organization (WHO) Budget
Experts (SME) in the MOH. This career Programme
development pathway was planned in the MOH Since 2014, AHSD has been active in the WHO
Strategic Plan 2016 - 2020. Subsequently, on 18 Programme Budget. A capacity-building workshop
Mar 2019, a total of 19 allied health officers were on Workload Indicated Staffing Need (WISN) tool
appointed as Subject Matter Experts (SME) in was conducted for AHP to determine facilities’
various fields and deployed in key areas at workload and estimate human capital for health.
hospitals, laboratories and institutions in MOH. Subsequently, a project on The Establishment of
This was the first time an AHP was recognised in a Workforce Profile for AHPs in Malaysia was
specialised area of practice, and it served as a funded by WHO Programme Budget 2018 - 2019.
motivator for more professionals to develop skills The AHSD was the focal point, and the WHO
in advanced allied health fields. appointed consultant guided on key issues,
including the human resources projection model
3. Strengthening Provision of AHP Services for the AHP development in the context of
Malaysia’s health system.
In order to enhance and ensure the safety and the This project involved engagement with
quality of AHP services, the AHSD has planned stakeholders from various departments in MOH
and developed many up-to-date practice and public and private agencies. The information
guidelines and standards for the professions. The of the current AHP workforce, the distribution in
Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), MOH, training, registration and licensing activities
Guidelines for Career Development and were reviewed. As a result, the Profile of Allied
Advancement, Credentialing Logbook, Health Professions in Ministry of Health Malaysia,
Competency Logbook for newly appointed officers A Consultation Report by WHO was published in
and Guideline for Orientation Training and 2020.
Competency are among the documents
developed.

4. Credentialing for AHP

Since the year 2014, National Credentialing
Committee (NCC) has credentialed a total of 9,067
practitioners from nine (9) professions (audiology,
diagnostic radiography, dietetic, dental technology,

Strategic Plan of the Allied Health Sciences Division and Allied Health Professions Ministry of Health Malaysia 2021 – 2025 9

AHSD In preparing the AHP for implementation of the 7. AHP Profile
Allied Health Professions Act 2016 (Act 774), the A technical report titled, ‘The Profile of Allied
Research Unit of AHSD managed to acquire Health Professions in Ministry of Health – A
funding for another two (2) projects under the Consultation Report by WHO’ published
WHO Programme Budget 2020 - 2021. incorporating an overview of AHSD and function,
The first project is titled ‘Establishing an Effective issues and challenges of AHP, as well as the
Regulatory Framework for Allied Health detailed profile of AHP in MOH. The report was the
Profession in Malaysia’. This project is to identify outcome of the project funded by the WHO Budget
and develop an effective regulatory framework for Programme 2018 - 2019.
allied health professions in Malaysia. The The report highlighted the great importance of
framework covers studies on current legislation continuing dialogue between the MOH and the
and regulatory framework for AHP in Malaysia and Ministry of Higher Education to produce the AHP
other countries, competency standards and that Malaysia will need in the future. This report,
enforcement framework suitable for the local therefore, will enhance the awareness and
context. understanding of AHP roles and contributions in
The second project is titled ‘Developing criteria for healthcare, promote the formulation of policies,
a profession to be considered as Profession of develop effective implementation actions and
Allied Health (PAH) in Malaysia’. This study is dialogues needed to consolidate AHP services in
designed to determine the type of criteria for a healthcare in Malaysia. This consultation report
profession to be considered Profession of Allied represents a significant development in the
Health in Malaysia and determine the functions/ process of implementing the Allied Health
roles of Profession of Allied Health to facilitate Professions Act 2016 (Act 774).
regulation.
Findings and outputs from these projects will
assist the AHSD to develop strategies or policies
related to AHP and PAH health services,
professional development for AHPs and legislation
related to allied health professionals.

Issues and Challenges

In general, Malaysia is experiencing increasing pressure to strengthen the delivery of health services and,
at the same time, face increasing costs, workforce shortage, and the need to upgrade health facilities to
meet rapidly advancing health technology and evolving healthcare. On the other hand, healthcare
providers are increasingly burdened by non-communicable diseases, the emergence and re-emergence
of infectious diseases, the ageing population, and increasing mental health issues. The client’s
expectations, quality, and safe practice issues need attention, and investing in research is a necessity now.

10 Strategic Plan of the Allied Health Sciences Division and Allied Health Professions Ministry of Health Malaysia 2021 – 2025

Visibility and Enforcement for AHSD
the Lack of a Allied Health
Professional
Professions Act
‘Voice’ 2016 (Act 774)

AHP Competency
and Standard
of Evaluation

Country Profile 12 01 02 Inadequate,
for AHP Unbalanced
Deployment and
11 Over Supply of AHP

03

Workforce Norm 10 ISSUES 04 Slow Career
and Projection for & Advancement
AHP
CHALLENGES

09 05
08
Research, 07 06 Limited Career
Evidenced- Development
Based and Pathway for AHP
Value-Based Specialist/ Expert

Practice Limited
Training
Opportunities

Health Facilities
and Equipment

Rapidly Growing
Technology and
Changing Health

Knowledge &
Environment

1. Enforcement for Allied Health Professions and new competencies for effective health
Act 2016 (Act 774) provision, and embrace rapidly advancing
There are 23 Allied Health Professions from technologies. Being the one of the important pillar
diverse backgrounds listed to be regulated by the of the healthcare workforce, professions of allied
Allied Health Professions Act 2016 (Act 774). This health require a robust credentialing, competency,
act is unique and different from other acts in and capability development structure or
Malaysia that regulate a single profession with framework. The framework should be an outcome
similar qualification. Under Act 774, each for this Strategic Plan 2021 - 2025 to link with
profession has a specific qualification, training relevant learning, teaching, continuing
pathways, expertise, function, the scope of professional development, and support
services, and competencies. There are opportunities for career development and
professions with dual qualification and two (2) succession planning.
levels of practitioners, i.e. those with a diploma 3. Inadequate, Unbalanced Deployment and
qualification assisting officers with degree-causing Over Supply of AHP
an overlap in service scope. In MOH, every Most AHPs are employed at secondary or tertiary
profession has a designated job scope, while care facilities, and extremely limited numbers are
multitasking is expected in the private sector. working in primary care settings for some
Thus, there is a need to establish a suitable professions. The disparities in regional distribution
regulatory framework to implement Act 774 in the are evident and more vacancies are seen in East
local context. Malaysia. In addition to the maldistribution of
2. AHP Competency and Standard of healthcare professionals, the deployment does
Evaluation not correlate to workload or service needs in some
Allied health encompasses a diverse range of facilities. The workloads in some facilities are
professions with different technical skills, high, and the human resource are at a deficit.
knowledge, and practices. Like any other Meanwhile, the number of healthcare facilities
profession, AHP is also challenged with continues to increase, the expansion of
increasing service demands, need for high skill healthcare service and the changing disease
burden continue to rise. This situation is worsened

Strategic Plan of the Allied Health Sciences Division and Allied Health Professions Ministry of Health Malaysia 2021 – 2025 11

AHSD by the implementation of the Lean Civil Service involving more than 31,000 staff. More budget and
Policy since the year 2015 and the initiative to training opportunities are needed in speciality and
optimise the human resource in the public sector. subspecialty areas for AHP parallel to medical
There have been very few new employments development. There is a need to evaluate the type
for AHP graduates from the Ministry of Health of competencies and training needs in preparation
Training Institutions for the past few years. On the for future healthcare transformation.
other hand, there is an over-supply of medical, Competencies in digital health and technology-
dental, pharmacy graduates, nurses, and AHP in driven health services, quality management and
the country due to the recent proliferation of the emerging and yet-to-be-imagined areas need
colleges and medical schools. Currently there are emphasis and prioritisation.
also AHP employed as contract officers with 7. Rapidly Growing Technology and Changing
uncertain carrier pathway. Health Knowledge & Environment
4. Slow Career Advancement Now, face to face therapy and interventions are
At present, time-based promotions are only limited facing off, and technology-driven treatments are
to doctors, dentists, and pharmacists. The emerging rapidly. Virtual health services,
promotion opportunities for most AHP are limited, teleconsultation, use of smart applications, and
depending on the availability of posts and vary wearables are becoming the preferred modes of
between professions. This led to the migration of service delivery. Due to convenience, less cost,
certain highly skilled allied health professionals and time-saving, the public prefers services
like speech-language therapist and clinical delivered to their home. Thus, allied health
psychologist to the private sector due to high professionals should prepare for the changing
demand and better remuneration benefits. This health knowledge, embrace the technology-driven
career pathway shall be further deliberated and services, build talent with digital skills, and
emphasised in the strategic plan to ensure the harness the opportunities instantly to become a
AHP grows together with other healthcare technologically talented workforce, while
providers in the future. continuing to be relevant in healthcare.
8. Health Facilities and Equipment
5. Limited Career Development Pathway for As the year goes by, more medical and
AHPSpecialist/ Expert non-medical equipment becomes old and some
Inadequate career development opportunities, technologies turn obsolete and outdated. The
especially for subspecialties for AHP, are reported buildings and facilities are becoming worn off and
in ‘Human Resource for Health (HRH) Country an increasing safety concern for the healthcare
Profile 2015’. There is no remuneration benefit or providers. Old facilities and equipment are directly
other incentives for allied health professionals with jeopardising the safety, quality and effectiveness
postgraduate qualifications (post basic, advanced of health service. On the other hand, expansion of
diploma, master’s, and PhD). Furthermore, upon services and an increase in patient numbers are
completion of studies, they are not positioned at inevitable. Appropriate investment to refurbish,
facilities that require their expertise. As a result, a optimisation of resource management, detailed
postgraduate qualification among AHP seldom planning and collaborations of all departments/
translates into promotional opportunities or divisions are essential in the strategic plan.
progress in the career pathway, unlike some other 9. Research, Evidenced Based and Value-
healthcare providers. Even though HRH policies, Based Practice
strategies, and plans are developed as part of a Health research is an investment and all
five-year national plan, issues and challenges are healthcare providers, including AHP, have the
constantly raised related to AHP career responsibility to plan research priority areas to
development in the public sector. A shared confront the demanding future. Research is an
understanding of allied health career pathways’ opportunity to draw on allied health professionals’
breadth, reach, and possibilities will create an capabilities to innovate and contribute to
enabling environment leveraging allied health generating solutions for the emerging and
professionals’ full potential. complex challenges facing the health sector. In the
6. Limited Training Opportunities past, AHP seemed to have limited involvement
HRH country profile 2015 reported insufficient and visibility in health-related research. Every
allocation of training funds for AHP in MOH and AHP should strive for involvement in high impact
limited budget; the quota is shared by 30 AHP research or collaboration with other professions,

12 Strategic Plan of the Allied Health Sciences Division and Allied Health Professions Ministry of Health Malaysia 2021 – 2025

universities or public-private partnerships to Way Forward AHSD
produce significant healthcare improvement,
augment the provision of evidence-based and Principles & Philosophy
value-based practices. Continues research
capacity building and making research as a Formulation of this strategic plan is preliminarily
culture among AHP is essential. based on the directions in the 12th Malaysia Plan
10. Workforce Norm and Projection for AHP (12MP), Strategic Plan 2021 - 2025 Ministry of
Only 17 professions have calculated norms for Health Malaysia and the Strategic Framework of
workforce needs in MOH, which were developed the Medical Programme, Public Health
by benchmarking developed countries. Since AHP Programme MOH and policy directions of other
works in various settings from the community, services and priority areas.
primary care, hospital, laboratories and
rehabilitation, it is not easy to use simple Objectives
population ratio to estimate workforce needs and
translate into an effective action plan. At present, This comprehensive document is developed to
human resource for health projection is not ensure AHSD and AHP nationwide support the
established based on the Malaysian health implementation of national health agenda towards
system, disease burden, workload and service achieving WHO Universal Health Coverage
needs. This is worsened with limited AHP (UHC), Sustainable Developmental Goals (SDG),
supply-and-demand information in the country. and enhance further the Malaysians’ well-being.
11. Country Profile for AHP
Currently, the only basic profile available for AHP The Strategic Plan for Allied Health Sciences
in MOH is based on a simple database and Division (AHSD) and Allied Health Professions
updated by the professions periodically. Some (AHP) Ministry of Health Malaysia (2021 - 2025)
additional information is available from the will serve as a roadmap for AHSD and AHP to
Malaysian Optical Council, Malaysian Food evaluate directions and action plan to promote
Analyst Council, Board of Counsellors, and overall health services together, while
Atomic Energy Licensing Board. The country strengthening allied health professional’s
profile for both public and private AHP is not development in the Ministry of Malaysia (MOH). It
available. However, some amount of information will help to ensure continuity of strategic direction,
on AHP is expected once Act 774 come into effect. structured planning, cross-professional
12. Visibility and the Lack of a Professional collaboration and efficient clinical governance for
‘Voice’ all MOH’s allied health services.
AHP’s key concern is the lack of visibility in the
Malaysian health system and the absence of a Strategies and Priority Areas
professional ‘voice’. In order to provide efficient
and quality care to meet population needs, The Strategic Plan is developed with a focus on
effective leadership and visibility are key attributes key areas including allied health service
for the allied health workforce. enhancement, optimisation of resources, human
Underrepresentation of allied health in capital strengthening, strengthening of AHP
management roles and committees are known governance, harnessing technology and digital
factors contributing to lack of opportunistic transformation in service provision without risking
communication and less effective resource quality, safety and privacy. The five-year
utilisation for the allied health workforce in rural implementation plan is parallel to the main
and remote areas. Therefore, for greater visibility, strategies in the Strategic Framework of the
allied health leaders and practitioners need to Medical Programme 2021 - 2025, the direction of
work cohesively as a team to become the Public Health Programme and other programmes
executive voice for AHP in healthcare. in the Ministry of Health Malaysia to provide
comprehensive world-class healthcare.

Taking into consideration the lesson learned from
the COVID-19 pandemic, this five-year plan opens
an opportunity for allied health practitioners to
embrace the new norms in technological
innovations and digital platforms as alternative
modes of service delivery. Re-engineering of work
processes and consolidation of resources is
considered to create an improved management
system, which can help to save cost, lead to
efficient resource management, better disease
prevention, treatment and rehabilitation for
individuals and the community.

Strategic Plan of the Allied Health Sciences Division and Allied Health Professions Ministry of Health Malaysia 2021 – 2025 13

AHSD Conclusion : This document is developed to serve as the roadmap for the
Allied Health Sciences Division and Allied Health Professions to determine
directions and action plan to support overall health services along with allied
health professional’s development in the country for the next five (5) years and
beyond. The initiatives planned to support the nationwide implementation of
the health agenda towards achieving WHO Universal Health Coverage (UHC),
Sustainable Developmental Goals (SDG) and align with the policies and
priorities setting during the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) 2021 - 2025.
Comprehensive and systematic monitoring and evaluation are outlined to
ensure this strategic plan’s objectives and goals are achieved as proposed.

14 Strategic Plan of the Allied Health Sciences Division and Allied Health Professions Ministry of Health Malaysia 2021 – 2025

Strategic Plan of the Allied Health Sciences Division and Allied Health Professions Ministry of Health Malaysia 2021 – 2025 15 IMPLEMENTATION PLAN OF STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK OF THE MEDICAL PROGRAMME
MINISTRY OF HEALTH MALAYSIA, 2021 - 2025

STRATEGY 1 STRATEGY 3 STRATEGY 5 STRATEGY 7

Strengthen Enhance Strengthen Promote safe
healthcare capacity and safety and quality and quality
services delivery capability of practices of
in hospitals human resource in delivery of
healthcare traditional and
Optimise for health complementary
resource system
management medicine
including facility,
equipment and Strengthen Leverage the use
financing governance and of information
stewardship of technology to

healthcare improve efficiency
system

STRATEGY 2 STRATEGY 4 STRATEGY 6

AHSD

Detailed Implementation Plan for Allied Health Sciences Division

AHSD Strategy 2: Optimise resource management including facility, equipment and financing
Implementation Plan 22 : To optimise utilisation of existing underutilised/ unused facilities via Hospital
Cluster platform

Activity Indicator Target

To integrate or coordinate Number of services provided in At least 1 service/ activity per
1. healthcare service delivery non-specialist hospital profession if applicable
Number of collaborations /
that provide comprehensive integrations
and seamless care

To enhance integration/ Number of collaborations/
2. coordination of primary care integrations with primary care
with secondary and tertiary care clinics and hospitals

Cost saving in cluster procurement Amount of cost saving in service/
activity per year if applicable

To establish integration/ Evaluation of the need for Evaluation report to Medical
coordination system within refurbishment of facility/ equipment Development Division

3. clusters which include the Implementation of hospital food Number of cluster hospitals
management, clinical support, service management within cluster involved
allied health services and hospital
concession/ contract services

Number of clusters with integration/ Number of integration/ coordination
coordination system system

Implementation Plan 26 : To optimise healthcare resources through interagency collaboration in service
delivery

Activity Indicator Target

To further strengthen existing Number of collaborations/ Number of collaborations by
4. collaboration on various allied percentages of target group professions

health services

16 Strategic Plan of the Allied Health Sciences Division and Allied Health Professions Ministry of Health Malaysia 2021 – 2025

Strategy 3: Enhance capacity and capability of human resource for health AHSD
Implementation Plan 28 : To ensure adequate supply of in-service competent medical personnel

Activity Indicator Target
5% increment of total numbers Year 1: 1550
5. To create new posts of AHP per year Year 2: 1628
Minimum 2 person per profession Year 3: 1709
6. To appoint AHP as sessional/ per specialist hospital Year 4: 1795
contract Year 5: 1885
2 person per profession per
specialist hospital (if applicable)

Implementation Plan 29 : To enhance retention and remuneration package for medical personnel

Activity Indicator Target

7. To propose new allowances for Proposal to be submitted to Public At least 1 new allowance for
AHP Service Department by 2021 AHP

Implementation Plan 30: To advance clinical competencies of in-service medical personnel

Activity Indicator Target

To develop a framework for Framework for Credentialing, Framework for Credentialing,
credentialing, competency and Competency and Capability Competency and Capability for
capability for allied health, for allied health approved and allied health
8. streamlined with the medical/ implemented by 2025 Revised Training Need Plan
Revised Training Need Plan
public health speciality and for AHP postgraduate training
subspecialty framework and Continuous Professional
Development (CPD) by 2021

Implementation Plan 33: To improve career pathway for medical personnel

Activity Indicator Target

9. To establish career pathway Career Pathway Framework for Career Pathway Framework for
framework for AHP allied health developed by 2023 allied health
List of allied health areas of
Number of areas of specialisation specialisation endorsed
recognised by Malaysian Allied Number of experts appointed as
Health Professions Council SME by field per profession
(MAHPC)
Number of experts appointed
as SME

Strategic Plan of the Allied Health Sciences Division and Allied Health Professions Ministry of Health Malaysia 2021 – 2025 17

AHSD Strategy 4: Strengthen governance and stewardship of healthcare system
Implementation Plan 36 : To improve awareness regarding legal requirements in setting up private
healthcare facilities

Activity Indicator Target

Engagement with allied health Numbers of engagements Numbers of engagements
professionals/ stakeholders conducted conducted with professions involved
10. providing services at standalone
Guidelines endorsed by 2022
facilities

Development/ publication of
guidelines and handbooks on how
to set up and run private Handbooks and guidelines
11. healthcare facilities and services, published

including allied health related
services

Implementation Plan 39 : To strengthen management of medico legal cases and disciplinary proceeding
litigation at all levels in the MOH facilities

Activity Indicator Target

To improve knowledge and skills At least 2 trainings per year Numbers of allied health trained
12. of the expert witnesses in (active committee members under
disciplinary proceeding litigation MAHPC)

Implementation Plan 42 : To prepare or strengthen enforcement of the existing/ new legislations

Activity Indicator Target

13. Allied Health Professions Act Regulation & guidelines for Number of regulation & guidelines
2016 (Act 774) allied health professionals for allied health professionals
endorsed

Implementation Plan 43 : Continue to spearhead drafting of new legislation and amendment of existing
legislation in line with the advancement of healthcare services

Activity Indicator Target

Code of Ethics and Professional Code of Ethics and Professional
Conduct for allied health Conduct for allied health
professionals professionals endorsed
Standing Order for allied health
Standing Order for allied professionals endorsed
health professionals Practice Guidelines for allied health
professionals endorsed
Development of framework, Practice Guidelines for allied Recognised qualifications for allied
standards, guidelines and health professionals endorsed
policies pertaining to allied health health professionals
14. professional registration, practice Recognised qualifications for Governance framework endorsed
and services in accordance to allied health professionals
Allied Health Professions Act Criteria for regulatory evaluation for
2016 (Act 774) allied health professionals developed
Governance framework
(regulated, self-regulate,
standalone facility etc.)

Criteria for regulatory
evaluation for allied
health professionals

18 Strategic Plan of the Allied Health Sciences Division and Allied Health Professions Ministry of Health Malaysia 2021 – 2025

Strategy 6 : Leverage the use of information technology to improve efficiency AHSD
Implementation Plan 55 : To improve enforcement and regulatory mechanism through use of technology

Activity Indicator Target
Online integrated registration system
To establish online registry of in use by 2023
registered practitioners,
certification and renewal practising
certificate for allied health
15. professionals, optometry Percentage of development of
online system
practitioners, nurses, assistant
medical officers and traditional and
complementary medicine

Implementation Plan 58 : To improve/ enhance services delivery through use of technology

Activity Indicator Target

To initiate digital/ virtual assisted Number of digital/ virtual assisted 1 virtual clinic/ digital services per
allied health services services profession (applicable for certain
16. (telerehabilitation virtual clinic, profession)
cerebral palsy therapy system,
virtual dietetic clinic)

Strategic Plan of the Allied Health Sciences Division and Allied Health Professions Ministry of Health Malaysia 2021 – 2025 19

20 Strategic Plan of the Allied Health Sciences Division and Allied Health Professions Ministry of Health Malaysia 2021 – 2025

STRATEGIC PLAN
ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONS

22 Strategic Plan of the Allied Health Sciences Division and Allied Health Professions Ministry of Health Malaysia 2021 – 2025

AUDIOLOGY

AUDIOLOGY

24 Strategic Plan of the Allied Health Sciences Division and Allied Health Professions Ministry of Health Malaysia 2021 – 2025

Background Workforce

The need for an audiology service in Malaysia Year
emerged around 1985 - 1990, when the Ear, Nose, 2020
and Throat (ENT) or Otorhinolaryngology (ORL) Year HOSPITAL 190
Department, Faculty of Medicine from the
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) introduced 2001 10INSTITUTION
clinical postgraduate Masters programmes for
doctors. The ENT department was responsible for 7HOSPITAL 1CADRE POST AUDIOLOGY
setting up the audiology programme. The aim was
to provide home-grown audiologists who would be Total: 7 Total: 201
more familiar and in-tuned with the local hearing
and communication issues. They are expected to Besides the basic assessment and diagnosis of
take up job positions in public hospitals and hearing, the audiology scope of practice has
institutions. Basic audiometry measures such as expanded. Audiologists work with patients from
pure tone audiometry, tympanometry, Auditory paediatric to geriatric populations. They provide a
Brainstem Response (ABR), and ear impressions range of re(habilitation) services, including
were taught medical laboratory technologists counselling and the prescription and fitting of
involved in audiology services. devices/ aids (e.g., bone conduction aids; earplugs
In 1990, UKM took the necessary step by sending (custom noise/ swim/ musician plugs); frequency
one (1) medical officer (MO) to the University of modulation (FM) and other remote sensing
Manchester, the United Kingdom, to pursue a systems; hearing aids; and hearing assistive
Bachelor's Degree in Audiological Medicine. The technology, implantable devices (e.g., cochlear
specific intention was to develop and manage the implants, middle ear implantable hearing aids, and
setting up of the audiology programme locally at bone-anchored hearing aids). Audiologists also
UKM. Subsequently, in 1994 - 1995, UKM sent provide vestibular and balance assessments,
four (4) graduates from basic sciences (physics) tinnitus assessment and management, and aural
and humanities (psychology) to Australia to pursue rehabilitation training.
a Master's Degree in Clinical Audiology. Work on
planning, designing, development and refinement
of the programme continued from 1992 to 1999. A
separate allied health sciences faculty was then
set up to house the new allied health programmes
offering Bachelor of Science in Audiology (Hons)
and provided the much-needed autonomy and
independence for professional growth. The first
intake was in 1994, and the students graduated in
1999. In 2004, Universiti Islam Antarabangsa
Malaysia (UIAM) started its undergraduate
audiology programme, followed by Universiti Sains
Malaysia (USM) in 2005. As of 2017, all three (3)
public universities offer postgraduate studies
(research mode).
In 2001, Ministry of Health (MOH) appointed the
first seven (7) audiologists from UKM in grade U3
and deployed them to several state hospitals in
Malaysia. From then on, the audiology services
developed significantly, and the number of
audiologists in Malaysia increased. In 2012, the
Audiology Units were established in all the MOH
facilities with audiology services for effective
management. Currently, about 193 audiologists
are working in MOH hospitals, and more than 700
are employed in university hospitals, private
hospitals, medical centres, and hearing aid
centres.

Strategic Plan of the Allied Health Sciences Division and Allied Health Professions Ministry of Health Malaysia 2021 – 2025 25

AUDIOLOGY Introduction seven (7) designated hospitals and later expanded
to 10 hospitals. The interdisciplinary and
Audiology is the science of hearing, balance, and multidisciplinary cooperation between surgeons,
associated disorders. Audiologists are qualified audiologists, paediatricians, speech therapists,
professionals who work autonomously with people radiologists, occupational therapists, and other
of all ages to promote healthy hearing, healthcare professionals has been exemplary. Six
communication skills, and quality of life. The (6) hospitals started a parent support group
primary responsibilities include identification, (PSG), and another three (3) hospitals have early
diagnosis and management of impairments and intervention centres for the hearing impaired.
dysfunction of the peripheral or central auditory
function, tinnitus, vestibular and balance and other The NHS programme is an essential tool for early
related systems. detection, diagnosis, and intervention. The NHS
The MOH’s audiology services began in 2001 with programme commenced in 2001 and was rolled
the hiring of graduates from the Universiti out on a phased basis. All hospitals with audiology
Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). Hospital Kuala services currently offer this programme (except
Lumpur (HKL), Hospital Melaka, Hospital HKL, Hospital Rehabilitasi Cheras (HRC) and
Sultanah Nur Zahirah, Hospital Selayang, Hospital Hospital Queen Elizabeth). This programme
Sultanah Aminah, Hospital Tuanku Ja'afar, and involves many professionals, including
Hospital Umum Sarawak had audiologist audiologists, ORL specialists, paediatricians, O&G
placement at the time. specialists, and paramedics who provide
After nearly two (2) decades, the number of operational, clinical, and managerial input to
audiologists has increased to 193, with 201 ensure high-quality service delivery.
positions in MOH. Currently, 43 MOH facilities
(hospitals and institutions) throughout the country In line with the growth of the National Implant
provide audiology services. Cochlear Programme and the NHS programme,
the AR is to support these programmes and
Functions ensure patients receive effective interventions.
Audiologists facilitate AR to help the patient with
Audiologists are involved in identifying, hearing loss organise and actively communicate
diagnosing, and managing impairments and by creating a hearing loss management plan. At
dysfunction of the peripheral or central auditory present, 14 audiologists representing each state
function, tinnitus, vestibular and balance, and have been trained and credentialed in AR and
other related systems. They also facilitate hearing continue expanding and strengthening AR at their
loss prevention by fitting hearing devices and respective states.
providing re(habilitation), education programmes
for industry and the public, hearing screening, Audiology is a growing field and requires special
hearing conservation programmes, and research. equipment. Audiologists have specialised in
specialty areas such as vestibular, tinnitus, and
Performance and Achievements auditory processing to meet future demands.
Three (3) hospitals offer vestibular services (HKL,
Enhancement of Service Delivery HRC and Hospital Sungai Buloh), which involves
Audiology services are currently available at 14 team-based approach with audiologists, ORL
state hospitals, 22 major specialist hospitals, four specialists, physicians, neurologists,
(4) minor specialist hospitals and three (3) physiotherapists and other healthcare
institutions. One (1) cadre post is placed at professionals. There are 17 hospitals with
Hospital Tuanku Mizan, under the Ministry of audiologists implementing tinnitus clinics. Patients
Defence. The service focuses on strengthening with tinnitus may be given information/ education,
the existing programmes; cochlear implant hearing aids, sound enrichment therapy, relaxation
programme, newborn hearing screening therapy, and the availability of other treatments,
programme (NHS) and aural rehabilitation (AR) even though most tinnitus cannot be helped by
programme. The services have expanded to surgery or medication.
include specialised clinics such as a vestibular
clinic, tinnitus clinic, and central auditory In comparison, the CAPD clinic is still new and
processing disorders (CAPD) clinic. operates only in three (3) hospitals (HKL, HRC
In 2008, MOH launched The National Cochlear and HQE). The CAPD evaluation is led by an
Implant Programme. The programme started with audiologist and is a multidisciplinary assessment
that involves assessing hearing, language,
cognition and auditory processing skills. An
audiologist completes an assessment for a CAPD
by using various measures to determine how the
brain processes sound.

26 Strategic Plan of the Allied Health Sciences Division and Allied Health Professions Ministry of Health Malaysia 2021 – 2025

Since 2018, the audiology service, in collaboration Grants (Co-researcher) AUDIOLOGY
with ORL service, initiated the ‘National Ear and Prototype Research Grant Scheme Internet of
Hearing Care’ (NEHC) Programme. This things based health monitoring application for
programme involves multiple stakeholders and post brain injury and post-stroke
received approval from the Medical Development patient-caregiver (Universiti Teknologi Malaysia),
Division, MOH. Every year, on March 3, in 2018 - 2021.
conjunction with World Hearing Day, the Prototype Research Grant Scheme - Prototype
audiologists organise various programmes and of Digital Malay Language Audio Cognitive
activities to raise awareness about preventing Wellness (Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia),
deafness and hearing loss and encouraging ear 2018 - 2021 .
and hearing services to the general public. Other
programmes include Better Hearing and Speech Innovation Projects
Month (BHSM), in which audiologists work with ‘BabyZound’ - 1st place innovation project,
speech-language therapists (SLT). BHSM is Kedah State Health Department, 2017.
celebrated in May every year to raise awareness Hearing protection devices using recycled
of speech and hearing through many activities material (Kuala Lumpur & Putrajaya Health
such as trivia quiz, treasure hunt, mystery games, Department innovation project), 2017.
talks, and hearing screening.
Workload/ Census Training
The number of patients treated has grown since The audiology profession has undergone rapid
the first started the service. The number of expansion in recent years. Audiologists with
outpatients and newborn hearing screening by postgraduate qualifications have specialised
audiologists for the last three (3) years is shown in training in tinnitus, vestibular, rehabilitative
Table 2. audiology (hearing plant, central auditory
Research/ Innovation/ Publication/ Presentation processing disorders, amplification, and
Publications - standard operating procedures, rehabilitation). Currently, the audiology profession
training modules, guidelines : has two (2) PhD holders and 12 with a master's
qualification.
There are seven (7) standard operating In recent years, audiologists have had the
produres (Hearing Care for Paediatric, Adult, opportunity to pursue their specialised training and
Retro-Cochlear, Claims & Compensation, attachment abroad in several fields: auditory
Tinnitus, Vestibular, and Noise Exposure). verbal therapy, cochlear implant, paediatric
Four (4) guidelines (Universal Newborn Hearing amplification, newborn hearing screening set up
Screening, High-Risk Hearing Screening, and management, and vestibular and balance, as
Hearing Aid Guidelines, Polisi Pemerolehan Alat in Table 3.
Bantu Pendengaran).

Two (2) training modules (Modul Ujian
Audiometri bagi Pesakit Dewasa untuk
paramedik di Fasiliti Kesihatan Primer dan
Modul Latihan Saringan Pendengaran Bayi:
Untuk Paramedik & Jururawat Terlatih di
Fasiliti Kesihatan KKM).

Table 2: The Number of Outpatients and Newborns Hearing
Screening Attended by Audiologists in the Year 2017 - 2019

Year 2017 2018 2019
182,460
Number of outpatients attended by 157,265 150,534 138,497
audiologist 320,957

Number of newborns undergone hearing 122,962 127,484
screening test by audiologist

Total numbers of patients attended by 280,277 278,018
audiologist

Strategic Plan of the Allied Health Sciences Division and Allied Health Professions Ministry of Health Malaysia 2021 – 2025 27

Table 3 : Specialised Training and Attachment Abroad Attended by Audiologists

Number of Course Name Venue Year Duration
Audiologist Attended

AUDIOLOGY

Recognition/ Achievements Issues and Challenges
As of March 2019, two (2) audiologists have been
recognised by the Public Service Department Strengthen/ Enhance Service Provision
(Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam, JPA) as Subject Lack of awareness of Ear and Hearing Care (EHC)
Matter Expert (SME) in the field of vestibular and among healthcare providers leads to late detection
tinnitus, respectively. and intervention, suboptimal outcomes.
A total of 129 audiologists were credentialed in core Human Resource Capability and Competency
procedures, and five (5) audiologists were Increase numbers of the complexity of cases that
credentialed in specialised procedures. require specialised technical skill and training.
Others
Collaboration with the public, private and NGO’s Adequacy and Optimisation of Health
organising events: Malaysian Audiology Scientific Resources
Conference (MASCO) biennial, Better Hearing &
Speech Month Carnival (BHSM) and World Inadequate numbers of audiologists lead to
Hearing Day (WHD) annually. delay in detection and intervention of hearing
Public-private collaboration programme ‘Hear and loss, increased workload due to the increase of
be Heard’ with Institute HEARS (UKM) and Sime high-risk populations, the complexity of cases,
Darby. This programme targets health and high public expectation.
professionals and parents of hearing-impaired Insufficient new posts and long waiting time for
children. the employment of audiology graduates.

28 Strategic Plan of the Allied Health Sciences Division and Allied Health Professions Ministry of Health Malaysia 2021 – 2025

Limited accessibility to audiology services Increasing Disease Burden and Change of AUDIOLOGY
which are only available at state hospitals and Demography
specialist hospitals. The Global Burden of Disease Hearing Loss
Unequal distribution of audiologists especially Expert Group reported about 538 million people
in Sabah and Sarawak. older than five (5) years have disabling hearing
Lack of clinical audiology equipment, especially impairment worldwide (WHO, 2014). The World
screening and diagnostic equipment. Health Organization’s (WHO) first World Report on
Existing equipment is outdated and old, with Hearing, released on 3 Mar 2021, reported one (1)
beyond economical repair (BER) equipment are in four (4) people will be living with some degree of
still in use. hearing loss by 2050. In Malaysia, the NHMS 2019
Strengthen/ Enhance Career Pathway findings indicated that 1 in 4 adults experienced
Limited numbers of audiologists specialise in functional difficulties (7.6% difficulty in hearing),
specific areas of practice and inadequate subject and people in rural areas and females are more at
matter experts (SME). risk.

Limited Training Opportunity Way Forward
Inadequate hands-on training opportunity due
to high costs. The profession aims to strengthen and improve
eLearning (online training opportunities) is current audiology services by optimising
expensive. resources, evidence-based practices and
person-centred hearing care. Audiology telehealth
Lack of Collaboration Intra/ Interagency/ services and multi-sectoral collaboration are new
Community focuses in this strategic plan.
Lack of human resources due to inadequate
numbers of audiologists.

Conclusion : This Strategic Plan 2021 - 2025 for audiology is developed
based on the Specialty & Subspecialty Framework of the Ministry of Health
Hospitals Under 11th Malaysia Plan (2016 - 2020), MOH Strategic Plan 2016
- 2020, MOH Action Plan 2016 - 2020 and the Strategic Framework of the
Medical Programme 2021 - 2025. It is hoped that this Strategic Plan will
serve as a reference to the audiology services at MOH’s facilities to
develop their activities and programmes over the next five (5) years.

Strategic Plan of the Allied Health Sciences Division and Allied Health Professions Ministry of Health Malaysia 2021 – 2025 29

AUDIOLOGY Detailed Implementation Plan for Audiology

The allied health profession’s Detailed Implementation Plan (DIP) outlined in this Strategic Plan is divided into three (3) tiers
which are:

(A) Strategic Framework - Medical Programme
The activities/ indicators/ achievements will directly be monitored under the Head of Services, and the allied health
profession involved will report to their respective service in the Medical Programme/ Public Health Programme or other
relevant departments.

(B) Medical Framework - Allied Health Sciences Division
The activities/ indicators/ achievements will be monitored by AHSD, and then will report to the Medical Programme/
Public Health Programme or other relevant departments.

(C) Allied Health Sciences Division - Profession
The activites/ indicators/ achievements will be monitored by AHSD for internal report and discussion between AHSD and
allied health professions.

(A) Strategic Framework - Medical Programme

Strategy 1: Strengthen healthcare service delivery in hospitals

Main Implementation Plan No. 13:
To enhance existing paediatric services to cater to the needs of special groups of paediatric population

Profession Activity Indicator Target
Implementation Plan

1. Strengthen Neonatal All facilities especially with Percentage of all inborn neonates
Hearing Screening in audiology services to who complete screening by 28
Malaysia strengthen Neonatal Hearing days of age
Screening programme Percentage of inborn neonates who
complete a comprehensive audiology
evaluation by 3 months of age
Percentage of deaf and hard of
hearing inborn neonates receiving
amplification devices within 1 month
of confirmation of hearing status

30 Strategic Plan of the Allied Health Sciences Division and Allied Health Professions Ministry of Health Malaysia 2021 – 2025

(B) Medical Framework - Allied Health Sciences Division

Strategy 3: Enhance capacity and capability of human resource for health
Main Implementation Plan No. 28: To ensure an adequate supply of in-service competent medical personnel

Profession Activity Indicator Target AUDIOLOGY
Implementation Plan

1. Ensure optimum number of Apply new post including Number of new posts approved Minimum of
audiologists to be made higher post every year Number of permanent audiologists 30 (U41/44), 20 (U48)
available Appointment of permanent appointed 14 (U52) and 2 (U54)
audiologist by 2025
5% increment of total
numbers of
audiologists per year

Main Implementation Plan No. 30:
To advance clinical competencies of in-service medical personnel

Profession Activity Indicator Target
Implementation Plan
Maximum 3
2. Strengthen competency To increase quota for post- Number of audiologists pursue audiologists pursue
through post-grad study grad study postgraduate study postgraduate study
and attachment in audiology Equip audiologist with training Number of audiologists completed per year
speciality courses and certification (attachment attachments Minimum 5
in core services) audiologists by 2025

3. Establishment of career To gazette speciality in Number of SME gazette for At least 3 SME
pathway framework for paediatric audiology, geriatric audiologist gazetted in the
audiologist audiology, industrial audiology, proposed speciality by
rehabilitative audiology, 2025
educational audiology,
tinnitus, APD, vestibular &
balance

Strategy 6: Leverage the use of information technology to improve efficiency
Main implementation Plan No. 58: To improve/ enhance service delivery through use of technology

Profession Activity Indicator Target
Implementation Plan
To initiate virtual audiology Number of hospitals involved Minimum 10 hospitals
4. Digitalisation of audiology clinic in hospital with per year
service audiology services

Strategic Plan of the Allied Health Sciences Division and Allied Health Professions Ministry of Health Malaysia 2021 – 2025 31

(C) Allied Health Sciences Division - Profession Audiology

Profession Activity Indicator Target
Implementation Plan
Minimum 30 hospitals
AUDIOLOGY 1. Establish and strengthen Strengthening of the team of Number of hospitals established established AR by
aural (re)habilitation services aural (re)habilitation and aural rehabilitation special interest 2025
for hearing-impaired children expansion of aural groups Materials and modules
in MOH (re)habilitation programmes at Completion of aural rehabilitation completed by 2025
regional and state hospitals materials and modules development Minimum 12 series of
Developing varieties of aural training conducted by
rehabilitation materials and 2025
modules

Conducting aural rehabilitation Number of training conducted
training for audiologists

2. Emphasise on the Create awareness on Number of awareness programme At least 3 awareness
awareness of hearing loss prevention, detection and conducted programme per year
among primary healthcare intervention of hearing loss
providers among primary healthcare
providers

Establishment of vestibular & Number of vestibular & balance At least 1 vestibular
balance services in selected services established clinic & balance per
facilities year per selected
facilities
3. Established and strengthen Developing vestibular & Completion of vestibular & balance Minimum 1
vestibular & balance services balance special interest group special interest group by regional/ region/ zone per year
and optimise resource by regional/ zone zone Minimum 8 series of
training conducted by
Conducting vestibular & Number of training conducted 2025
balance training for audiologist

32 Strategic Plan of the Allied Health Sciences Division and Allied Health Professions Ministry of Health Malaysia 2021 – 2025

AUDIOLOGY

Strategic Plan of the Allied Health Sciences Division and Allied Health Professions Ministry of Health Malaysia 2021 – 2025 33