PETALING JAYA: Traditional and complementary medicine (TCM) practitioners should be given permission to operate under strict standard operating procedures (SOPs) during the first phase of the National Recovery Plan (NRP), says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

       “Given that traditional Chinese, Malay and Indian medicine are a part of our medical system, the need to seek TCM treatment and medication should be considered on humanitarian grounds,” the Transport Minister said in a Facebook post on Sunday (July 4).

       Earlier on Sunday, Dr Wee said he had a virtual discussion with the leaders of the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) alongside five other TCM associations, including representatives from acupuncture and moxibustion practitioners.

       The virtual meeting was to discuss the concerns of TCM patients seeking treatment during the implementation of Phase One of the NRP.

       “I understand that many patients receive TCM and acupuncture treatment at public hospitals as well as private clinics.

       “Chronic patients are distressed over the restrictions that do not allow them to get their (traditional) medicine supply and acupuncture treatment as they should,” he said.

       The MCA president added that five TCM associations are adopting the experience in Wuhan, China, by preparing SOPs for the implementation of TCM during the pandemic and this will be proposed to the Health Ministry and the National Security Council (NSC).

       The TCM field was previously given permission to operate during the two earlier movement control orders after the associations involved made an appeal.

       However, due to the lockdown from June 1 followed by Phase One of the NRP, the TCM field was once again restricted from operating.

       Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) TCM department head, Dr Te Kian Keong, was also invited to the virtual meeting.