Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong stated that traditional and complementary medicine (TCM) services are essential components of our healthcare system and should not be subject to taxation. The MCA president called on the government to withdraw its proposal to implement a sales and service tax (SST) on TCM, including massage and physiotherapy services.
He emphasized that both TCM treatment and modern medicine aim to care for people’s health, and patients from various racial groups, including Malay patients, seek traditional Chinese medical treatment. Dr. Wee also highlighted the presence of TCM courses in many universities in Malaysia and globally, citing Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) Hospital in Kampar as an example, which has designated beds for both modern medicine and TCM.
Furthermore, he pointed out that TCM is recognized as a branch of services by the Health Ministry, and several government hospitals in Malaysia offer TCM services, with many patients receiving treatment from TCM practitioners. Dr. Wee also criticized the government’s requirement for TCM practitioners to settle all outstanding SST taxes from 2018 by May 2024, deeming it unreasonable.
He argued that since TCM was previously exempt from taxes and practitioners never collected the 6% SST, it was impractical to claim it back from their clients for services rendered from 2018 to 2023. Dr. Wee concluded by urging the government to refrain from discriminating against TCM practices and prioritize providing the best healthcare for the people.
For more information, see: 8% tax on TCM will encourage underground practices and quacks, says MCA
