PETALING JAYA: Patients are being stranded in a medical “grey area” due to growing confusion over rehabilitation care providers, according to the Private Physiotherapy Clinic Owners’ Association of Malaysia (PPCOA). Its president Datuk Dr BS Bains noted that this confusion arises because many individuals are often unable to distinguish between physiotherapists, occupational therapists, exercise therapists and fitness trainers. Such confusion could result in some patients, especially stroke survivors, the elderly, and post-partum women, prolonging their injuries rather than seeking prompt treatment. Dr Zainal also proposed that authorities consider launching nationwide multilingual campaigns clearly explaining the distinct roles of physiotherapists, occupational therapists and other rehabilitation professions. He also called for the implementation and enforcement of mandatory registration of the respective professions under the Allied Health Professions Act 2016 (Act 774), which provides a legal framework for regulating allied health professionals.

Source: The Star April 11, 2026 03:50 UTC